Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has raised serious concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding a spate of attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers in several states. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's Delhi residence on December 30, 2025, focused on the urgent need to prevent such incidents which Chowdhury warned could escalate communal tensions.
Meeting Details and Key Concerns
The discussion, which took place ahead of the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for May 2026, was initiated by Chowdhury, the former president of the Congress party's West Bengal unit. He explicitly requested the Prime Minister's direct intervention to stop the violence and harassment targeting Bengali-speaking communities, particularly in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Chowdhury highlighted a critical and troubling pattern where individuals are often wrongfully arrested or detained simply because they are mistaken for foreigners based on their language and identity. He emphasized that these actions are not only unjust but also threaten the social fabric by creating fear and division among citizens.
Political Context and Assurances
Despite the timing close to the state elections, Chowdhury was quick to clarify the nature of the meeting. He stated that the interaction was not politically motivated but was solely aimed at ensuring justice, safety, and fair treatment for all citizens, irrespective of their linguistic or regional background.
The Congress leader's appeal to the Prime Minister underscores the growing anxiety within migrant communities who travel for work across India. The issue touches upon core principles of constitutional rights and the protection of citizens from discrimination and violence based on their origin.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This high-level discussion brings national attention to the vulnerabilities faced by internal migrant workers. The appeal for the Prime Minister's intervention signals a demand for top-down directives to state administrations to curb vigilantism and ensure lawful procedures are followed.
The outcome of this meeting is being closely watched, as it has significant implications for inter-state relations, citizen safety, and communal harmony. With the West Bengal polls on the horizon, the handling of this sensitive issue could influence political narratives, though Chowdhury insists the matter is purely about governance and citizen welfare.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing migration, identity, and security within the country, calling for a balanced and humane approach from both central and state governments.
