Marking the birth anniversary of iconic poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday emphasized the need for greater Hindu-Muslim unity in India, quoting the poet’s celebrated lines: “Mora eki brinte duti kusum Hindu-Musalman”, which likens the two communities to flowers on the same stem.
In a statement shared on her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Banerjee paid tribute to the “Bidrohi Kobi” (rebel poet) and highlighted her government’s efforts over the past 14 years to preserve his legacy. These include naming the Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol near his birthplace, establishing the Andal Greenfield airport as Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, and setting up cultural institutions such as Nazrul Tirtha and the West Bengal Kazi Nazrul Islam Academy. She also noted the publication of research works on the poet.
Nazrul, revered for his passionate advocacy of communal harmony and social justice, remains a figure of resilience in times of crisis, Banerjee said.
Amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions following Operation Sindoor—India’s retaliatory strikes on terror infrastructure across the border—Banerjee has maintained a deliberately measured stance. Operation Sindoor, carried out by the Indian Armed Forces, targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
A senior Trinamool Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that while the party fully supports the central government’s national security actions, it remains wary of any attempts to stoke communal discord under the guise of patriotism.
“Our party unequivocally backs the Union government’s efforts to safeguard national interests. However, we strongly oppose any attempt by vested interests to use the situation to polarize communities. The Chief Minister’s message was a subtle yet firm reiteration of that principle,” the leader said.
The Trinamool leadership has also taken disciplinary action against a few party members who made unguarded remarks about Operation Sindoor, underscoring its cautious approach to sensitive national issues.
