Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday categorically rejected West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claims that Bengalis were being harassed attacked in his state. Seaking at News18 Odia’s Rising Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar, Majhi hit back at Banerjee and said that she was "lying".
"Mamata Banerjee is lying. No Indian citizen, no Bengali is being harassed and tortured in Odisha," Majhi said.
He clarified that the state police is only checking if there is any suspected Bangladeshi immigrant.
"Contrary to her claims, Odisha has been the home for the Bengalis for decades. Odisha arranged for clusters in many parts of the state for the displaced Bengali minorities after the partition and creation of Bangladesh," he said.
However, the Odisha CM said, "if Bangladeshi infiltrators are sneaking into and snatching livelihoods of Odia people, we are mandated to act."
He said that that those with proper documents remain undisturbed, while only those without proof of citizenship are asked to return to their native places.
Majhi’s comments follow West Bengal CM Banerjee allegations that Bengalis were being targeted in Odisha, sparking a political controversy between the two states.
In May, a video went viral on social media platforms where the Banerjee is seen alleging mistreatment of Bengalis in Odisha.
“I love Odisha. We send potatoes whenever there is any shortage. We send our engineers for restoration work in Odisha after any cyclone. Why are you so upset that we have build a Jagannath Temple? Why Bengalis are getting attacked in Odisha"?," Banerjee had asked speaking to the press.
Majhi also spoke about the Jagannath temple built by the West Bengal government in Digha. He said that this initiative is a symbol of the shared culture and faith between Bengal and Odisha. "Our common traditions and religious ties are so deep that no cheap politics can weaken these bonds," Majhi said.
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