Kolkata: A recent report by the New York-based human rights organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) has triggered a heated political clash in India. The report alleges systematic harassment, persecution, and illegal deportation of Bengali-speaking people by BJP-ruled state governments, drawing sharp reactions from both the ruling party and the opposition.

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chairperson Mamata Banerjee cited the HRW report to accuse the BJP of engaging in "linguistic terrorism" and targeting Bengali-speaking Indians across various states. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, Banerjee wrote, “Now, even international human rights organisations have started taking note of the linguistic terrorism unleashed in India. This must stop at once!”

Banerjee further claimed that the HRW report echoed long-standing allegations made by her party, stating that Bengali-speaking individuals — regardless of caste or religion — were being “arbitrarily abused and pushed out” by BJP governments. She quoted HRW’s Asia Director Elaine Pearson, who said that the authorities' justification for such expulsions under the pretext of controlling irregular migration was “unconvincing.”

According to Banerjee, HRW has reported such incidents in Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Delhi — all governed by the BJP — following directives from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.

BJP Hits Back: "Foreign Influence at Play"

The West Bengal unit of the BJP swiftly responded, accusing Banerjee of siding with foreign interests. In a post on X, the party alleged, “The deep state is rattled by the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi Muslims. No wonder TMC is panicking, as many of its MPs are part of that ecosystem. George Soros is the force behind them. This was always a larger conspiracy to change India’s demography and weaken the country from within.”

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's national IT cell, escalated the attack by accusing Banerjee of playing into the hands of billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a known critic of nationalist governments. “Is Mamata Banerjee now inviting foreign interference in India’s internal affairs? She’s echoing narratives pushed by organisations like Human Rights Watch — heavily funded by Soros, and known for their anti-India bias,” Malviya said.

Defending the government's actions, Malviya clarified that the Special Intensive Revision (S.I.R.) of voter lists was a constitutional and administrative exercise meant to maintain electoral integrity. “No foreign-funded NGO or politically motivated lobby will dictate how India protects its democracy,” he said.

Background

This is not the first time the BJP and the TMC have clashed over issues related to citizenship and migration. During the nationwide protests over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Mamata Banerjee emerged as a prominent voice against what she termed “divisive policies.”

With HRW’s involvement now amplifying the debate, the controversy has taken on an international dimension, raising questions about the treatment of linguistic minorities, the role of global watchdogs, and the limits of foreign commentary on domestic affairs.