Mamata Banerjee's Valentine's Day Message Quotes Tagore's 'Ananta Prem'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee marked Valentine's Day with a heartfelt post on social media platform X, invoking the timeless verses of Rabindranath Tagore's Bengali poem 'Ananta Prem' (Unending Love). This message, shared on Saturday, represents her first Valentine's Day post since joining X in May 2014, blending poetic sentiment with political undertones.
Post Emphasizes Love Beyond Barriers
In her post, Banerjee quoted Tagore's original 1890 lines: "I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times. In life after life, age after age, forever." She elaborated, stating that Valentine's Day celebrates love in all its forms and manifestations, in its widest and noblest sense. Banerjee emphasized that this love transcends caste, creed, class, and religion, framing it as the guiding spirit of her public service journey.
She described it as a love strong enough to withstand storms, patient enough to listen, and bold enough to fight for justice and dignity. Concluding with "May love live long," the post quickly gained traction, clocking an impressive 358,000 views within just two hours of being shared.
Political Reactions and Counter-Narratives
The message arrived against a backdrop where several right-wing groups have publicly opposed or threatened Valentine's Day celebrations. Senior leaders from Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) linked her post to a counter-narrative against what they term the "politics of hate," a theme the CM has frequently criticized.
Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya responded cautiously, avoiding direct comment on Banerjee's words. He stated, "I cannot comment on what others have said. But we will replace swords with pens and bombs with books." He further pointed to violence in West Bengal, comparing it to states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
In contrast, CPM state secretary Md Salim expressed skepticism, questioning whom Banerjee was addressing—the people or the country. He remarked, "After so much bloodbath, terror, killings and rapes, someone is thinking of returning to the fold of love and affection. Even if the feeling is belated, it is welcome."
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
'Ananta Prem' is not only a beloved Bengali poem but also enjoys global appreciation. Notably, its English translation was among actress Audrey Hepburn's favorites. It is said that during Hepburn's funeral in 1993, her 'Roman Holiday' co-star Gregory Peck recited these verses, highlighting the poem's enduring appeal.
This is not the first time Banerjee has addressed themes of love in a political context. During a Lok Sabha rally in Diamond Harbour ahead of the 2019 elections, she criticized "anti-Romeo squads" in BJP-governed states like Uttar Pradesh, labeling them as dangerous.
TMC's Broader Messaging on Love
In a related move, TMC released a one-minute video on X showcasing Banerjee's affection across all age groups in Bengal. The video stressed that love is not always about roses but also about standing by people during hard times and in grief, actions the CM is portrayed as consistently undertaking.
This Valentine's Day post and its surrounding discourse underscore the intersection of culture, politics, and social media in contemporary Indian public life, with Banerjee's message resonating widely while sparking diverse interpretations across the political spectrum.
