Bengali is one of the national languages of India, as recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. By labelling it as a foreign language, the Delhi Police, who operate directly under the Union Home Ministry, are effectively violating constitutional provisions. This is a reflection of the approach of the Home Ministry under Amit Shah, who has repeatedly shown his contempt for Bengali speaking people

This entire episode reveals the BJP-led government’s sinister attempt to portray Bengalis as infiltrators, simply because they share a language with a neighbouring country. In various states, police have been harassing Bengalis, particularly poor migrant workers, by detaining them illegally. Many have been subjected to mistreatment, torture and even deported without due legal process.

The CPI(M) demands that the Union Government immediately end the harassment of Bengali-speaking citizens. The Home Ministry must apologise for identifying Bengali as a foreign language and take strict action against the responsible officials.