By PTI
Published: Aug 18, 2025, 02:04 PM IST
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to abstain from attending the inauguration of three major Kolkata metro projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 22, according to senior state government officials. The decision comes amid growing political tensions and allegations of harassment of Bengali migrants in BJP-ruled states.
A top bureaucrat cited by PTI stated that the Chief Minister does not wish to share the stage with central government officials for the event. “There have been charges of linguistic discrimination and harassment of Bengalis in several states, allegedly with the support of the BJP and the central government. Protests are ongoing to oppose such discriminatory treatment being meted out to Bengali migrants. In this situation, the Chief Minister does not wish to share the stage with officials from the central government,” the official explained.
The three metro projects scheduled for inauguration include the Sealdah–Esplanade section of the Green Line, the Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing)–Beleghata stretch of the Orange Line, and the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport) section of the Yellow Line. These projects, officials noted, were originally planned and funded during Banerjee’s tenure as Railway Minister, highlighting her long-standing involvement in the city’s metro infrastructure development.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally invited Banerjee to the inauguration through a letter dated August 14. However, a senior state government official said that this invitation was routine and did not reflect any special recognition of her contributions. “These railway projects were originally planned and funded by Mamata Banerjee during her tenure as Railway Minister. After years of slow progress, the BJP is now inaugurating them ahead of elections to claim credit. The Chief Minister was only given a routine invitation via letter,” the official said.
Mamata Banerjee has, in the past, attended central government events to respect constitutional protocol and maintain a cordial working relationship with officials in New Delhi. However, this time, the decision to possibly skip the ceremony is influenced by repeated incidents of chaos and political demonstrations during similar functions. According to the bureaucrat, BJP supporters have previously disrupted official events, turning them into political platforms that disrespected both protocol and visiting dignitaries.
The Chief Minister, the official explained, is concerned that such disruptions could overshadow her presence and contributions. “Given these past experiences, there is no option for such unacceptable conduct. The Chief Minister is mindful of these factors while considering her participation,” he added.
Political observers note that the potential boycott is symbolic of the heightened tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the central BJP government, particularly in the run-up to upcoming elections. The move also underscores Banerjee’s strategy of asserting her political stance while highlighting issues affecting Bengalis outside the state, including alleged discrimination and harassment in other BJP-controlled regions.
The Chief Minister’s absence, if confirmed, could have broader implications for the political narrative surrounding the metro projects. While these infrastructure developments are being presented as achievements by the central government, the TMC argues that the initiatives were long planned under Banerjee’s leadership and that the BJP is attempting to capitalize on them politically.
Meanwhile, preparations for the inauguration continue, with security arrangements and event logistics being finalized. Authorities are ensuring that all sections of the metro projects are ready for public use and that ceremonial proceedings proceed smoothly, irrespective of political participation.
As the inauguration date approaches, all eyes will be on whether Mamata Banerjee attends the function or formally abstains, sending a clear political message regarding her stance on migrant issues, state autonomy, and the role of central authorities in local development projects. Her final decision is expected to be communicated in the coming days, potentially shaping public and political discourse in West Bengal ahead of the elections.
