“Bengali or Bangladeshi?” Delhi Police Label Sparks Political Firestorm in West Bengal

A recent Delhi Police document has ignited a heated political debate in West Bengal, just as the state begins to look towards the 2026 elections. The controversy revolves around the document’s use of the term “Bangladeshi” to refer to people of Bengali origin, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her supporters.

Mamata Banerjee Condemns “Insulting” Label

Chief Minister Banerjee wasted no time in condemning the Delhi Police’s language, characterizing it as a deeply insulting misrepresentation of the Bengali community. She accused the BJP of deliberately stoking divisive sentiments and attempting to marginalize Bengalis, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.

BJP Defends Delhi Police, Downplays Controversy

In response to the growing outcry, the BJP defended the Delhi Police, arguing that the term was likely used inadvertently and should not be interpreted as a deliberate slur. They accused the TMC of politicizing the issue and attempting to distract from their own failings in governance.

The Incident Adds Fuel to the 2026 Election Fire

This controversy adds another layer of complexity to the already charged political landscape in West Bengal. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the incident is likely to become a key talking point for both the TMC and the BJP, further intensifying the rivalry between the two parties.