The BJP administration in West Bengal has highlighted Bengali language and culture, indicating its plan to overcome perceptions of being an outsider following its strong win in the recent state elections. Political observers see this as part of efforts to show respect for the region’s cultural and linguistic identity. During the campaign, the party faced repeated claims from the Trinamool Congress that it lacked understanding of local traditions. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told the Assembly that Bengali would become compulsory across all levels of state administration starting September 1. He explained that Bengali would serve as the main language for government communications, though exchanges with the central government would use both Bengali and Hindi. Adhikari also shared a letter from Union Home Minister Amit Shah stressing the value of promoting Bengali locally while encouraging Hindi for wider official use. The policy aims to standardize Bengali in departments, bodies and institutions, including police FIRs for better public access. During the election period, BJP leaders visited Kali temples and used cultural references such as fish and rice dishes in outreach. After taking office, Adhikari took his oath on Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary. Opposition parties welcomed the language move but called for proper execution, while some groups requested similar recognition for Nepali in hill areas.
