Odisha CM Denies Bengali Harassment Claims, Focus on Immigration Checks

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has firmly refuted allegations made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the alleged harassment of Bengalis in Odisha. Mr. Patnaik clarified that recent police activities are focused on identifying and addressing the presence of suspected undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh and are not targeted at the Bengali community.

Patnaik Rejects Harassment Allegations

The Chief Minister emphasized that Odisha maintains a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and that the state’s law enforcement actions are solely focused on upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all residents, regardless of their origin. He rejected the notion of any targeted harassment against the Bengali community in Odisha.

Focus on Undocumented Immigration

Mr. Patnaik explained that the ongoing police operations are specifically aimed at suspected undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh, a matter of national security. He highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate records of residents and addressing potential security concerns related to undocumented immigration. The Chief Minister reassured the Bengali community in Odisha that they are valued members of the state and should not feel targeted by these necessary security measures.