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NCSC described the comments as “not only objectionable but also a punishable offence under Section 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Murarai. (IANS)
Just days before the final phase of voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come under scrutiny by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) over an alleged derogatory remark.
Taking suo motu cognisance, the NCSC issued notices to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, demanding a detailed report within three days.
The Commission stated that the alleged use of a casteist slur in a derogatory context amounted to an insult to the Scheduled Castes. Calling the remark “shameful,” the NCSC warned that it could attract provisions under Section 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The Commission referred to a video broadcast on “Kolkata TV” on Sunday, which allegedly showed Banerjee making the remarks during a recent rally in Kolkata’s Chowringhee area while campaigning for a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate in the ongoing assembly elections.
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In its statement, the NCSC described the comments as “not only objectionable but also a punishable offence under Section 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.”
“On April 23, 2026, while addressing an election rally at Chowringhee in Kolkata in support of a TMC candidate, Mamata Banerjee, while explaining the work done by her government, used a term considered derogatory towards the SC community in the Janbazar area,” it added.
This development comes at a politically sensitive time, with campaigning in full swing ahead of the final voting phase. The issue is likely to escalate, with opposition parties, particularly the BJP, set to intensify their attacks on the ruling TMC.
Earlier in March, President Droupadi Murmu publicly expressed displeasure over two issues: the last-minute change of venue for her event and the absence of Mamata Banerjee or her ministers to receive her during the President’s visit to West Bengal. Banerjee quickly retaliated, accusing Murmu of speaking “on BJP’s advice.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also intervened, stating, “The TMC Government of West Bengal has truly crossed all limits. Their administration is responsible for this insult to the President.” He noted that Murmu hails from a tribal background, a point he has repeatedly underscored.
The first phase of elections to the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly took place on Thursday, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.
April 26, 2026, 22:53 IST
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