West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee marked Valentine’s Day 2026 with a message quoting Rabindranath Tagore
Kolakata: Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, shared her message on social media on February 14, beginning with a couplet from Rabindranath Tagore’s poem Anonto Prem (Endless Love).
“I have loved you in all your forms, in all your births, in all your generations, forever and ever,” she wrote in English, alongside the original Bengali lines.
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Banerjee described Valentine’s Day as a celebration of love “in all its forms and manifestations” and said it symbolised love that “transcends caste, creed, class and religion”.
Linking love to public service
In her post, Banerjee connected the idea of love with her political work.
“It is this spirit of love that has guided my journey in public service. A love for the people strong enough to withstand storms, patient enough to listen, and bold enough to fight for justice and dignity,” she wrote.
She concluded the message with, “Happy Valentine’s Day! May love live long!” and added in Bengali, “Bhalobasha deerghojeebi hok.”
Social media reactions
Her message drew varied responses online. Supporters described it as heartfelt and reflective of inclusive values. Some users linked the message to broader political themes, while others commented on its timing during a charged political climate.
The greeting stood out as few sitting chief ministers publicly mark Valentine’s Day in India.
Banerjee has previously spoken in favour of young people’s right to meet freely. During a 2019 rally in Diamond Harbour ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, she criticised instances in other states where young couples were allegedly harassed in public spaces.
She said that in Kolkata, public displays of affection were not uncommon and emphasised that young men and women could also simply be friends.
Her Valentine’s Day 2026 message continues that broader positioning of love and personal freedom within a social and political framework centred on inclusivity and dignity.
Published: 14 Feb 2026, 03:22 pm IST
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