Not just English, but four other languages feature on the ballot papers for the upcoming US presidential elections. Among the four languages that feature on the ballot paper, the only Indian language to feature is Bengali. 
&nbsp; 
The language options are available for voters in New York, often known as a melting pot of cultures, where over 200 languages are spoken across the city. The United States will vote to elect its 47th president on Tuesday.

“We are required to service four other languages besides English. These are Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali,” said Micheal J. Ryan, Executive Director of New York City’s Board of Elections. 
 
Subhshesh, a sales agent in Times Square with Bengali heritage, feels happy as his father, who lives in Queens, will benefit from the linguistic support when casting his vote. “People like me know English, but many in our community prefer their native language. This will make things easier at the polling station,” says Subhshesh. 
 
According to PTI, the presence of Bengali on New York’s ballots is not merely symbolic but a legal obligation. Under city regulations, Bengali voting materials are provided at certain polling sites in order to ensure that Bengali-speaking citizens have full access to crucial information and voting options. These include both Indian as well as Bangladeshi Bengalis.&nbsp;

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Ryan explained the context of this decision, which resulted from a lawsuit focused on language access. “The settlement required that an Asian Indian language be available where population density is high, and Bengali was chosen after negotiations,” he noted. The choice, he acknowledged, has limitations but came from a mandate aimed at increasing accessibility.

The first appearance of Bengali-language ballots in Queens was back in 2013, nearly two years after a federal order, under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, mandated language assistance for South Asian minority groups. 
 
The Bengali-speaking population in New York includes people from Asian countries like India and Bangladesh. While it doesn’t cover the full range of languages in the region, the addition of Bengali is expected to encourage voter turnout within this community, PTI reports. 
 
Dr. Avinash Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Associations, emphasised the importance of the initiative. “This helps the Indian community to go out and vote. That’s how our voices are heard. Indians are a sizable population here, and it’s heartening to see so many participate in the electoral process,” said Dr. Gupta. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Not just English, but four other languages feature on the ballot papers for the upcoming US presidential elections. Among the four languages that feature on the ballot paper, the only Indian language to feature is Bengali.

Not just English, but four other languages feature on the ballot papers for the upcoming US presidential elections. Among the four languages that feature on the ballot paper, the only Indian language to feature is Bengali. The language options are available for voters in New York, often known as a melting pot of cultures, where over 200 languages are spoken across the city. The United States will vote to elect its 47th president on Tuesday. “We are required to service four other languages besides English. These are Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Bengali,” said Micheal J. Ryan, Executive Director of New York City’s Board of Elections. Subhshesh, a sales agent in Times Square with Bengali heritage, feels happy as his father, who lives in Queens, will benefit from the linguistic support when casting his vote. “People like me know English, but many in our community prefer their native language. This will make things easier at the polling station,” says Subhshesh. According to PTI, the presence of Bengali on New York’s ballots is not merely symbolic but a legal obligation. Under city regulations, Bengali voting materials are provided at certain polling sites in order to ensure that Bengali-speaking citizens have full access to crucial information and voting options. These include both Indian as well as Bangladeshi Bengalis. US Elections: Key states for Trump to secure victory in the 2024 election Ryan explained the context of this decision, which resulted from a lawsuit focused on language access. “The settlement required that an Asian Indian language be available where population density is high, and Bengali was chosen after negotiations,” he noted. The choice, he acknowledged, has limitations but came from a mandate aimed at increasing accessibility. The first appearance of Bengali-language ballots in Queens was back in 2013, nearly two years after a federal order, under the 1965 Voting Rights Act, mandated language assistance for South Asian minority groups. The Bengali-speaking population in New York includes people from Asian countries like India and Bangladesh. While it doesn’t cover the full range of languages in the region, the addition of Bengali is expected to encourage voter turnout within this community, PTI reports. Dr. Avinash Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Associations, emphasised the importance of the initiative. “This helps the Indian community to go out and vote. That’s how our voices are heard. Indians are a sizable population here, and it’s heartening to see so many participate in the electoral process,” said Dr. Gupta. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengali is the only Indian language to feature on New York's ballot papers this presidential election

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more&nbsp;Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday. This decision will almost double the number of recognized classical languages, bringing the total from six to 11.

"The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone," said the government in an official statement.

"The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally," the statement continued.

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The concept of "Classical Languages" was first introduced by the government on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the inaugural language to receive the honour, followed by Sanskrit in 2005. Other languages like Kannada and Telugu were added in 2008, Malayalam in 2013, and Odia in 2014.

To qualify as a classical language, a language must have a history and literary tradition that dates back at least 1500–2000 years, along with a significant collection of ancient texts that continue to be valued. Additionally, the language should possess a unique literary heritage, not derived from any other language, and there should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern versions or dialects.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Our Government cherishes and celebrates India's rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages. I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the status of Classical Languages! Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone"

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responding to the news that Bengali had received classical language status, wrote &nbsp;on X: "Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by Government of India. We had been trying to snatch this recognition from Ministry of Culture, GOI and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our contention. Union government has accepted our well-researched claim today evening and we finally reach the cultural apex in the body of languages in India."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also thanked the Prime Minister, saying, "Thank you Hon’ble Prime Minister for this decision. Your love and affection for the Assamese language and culture is unparalleled and the people of Assam will be forever indebted to you for recognising our beautiful mother tongue as a Classical language."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday.

The Union Cabinet has granted classical language status to five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday. This decision will almost double the number of recognized classical languages, bringing the total from six to 11. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages. The Classical Languages serve as a custodian of Bharat’s profound and ancient cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community’s historical and cultural milestone," said the government in an official statement. "The primary states involved are Maharashtra (Marathi), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (Pali and Prakrit), West Bengal (Bengali), and Assam (Assamese). The broader cultural and academic impact will extend nationally and internationally," the statement continued. Also read: India kept in loop as Mauritius, UK agree on Indian Ocean archipelago's future The concept of "Classical Languages" was first introduced by the government on October 12, 2004, with Tamil being the inaugural language to receive the honour, followed by Sanskrit in 2005. Other languages like Kannada and Telugu were added in 2008, Malayalam in 2013, and Odia in 2014. To qualify as a classical language, a language must have a history and literary tradition that dates back at least 1500–2000 years, along with a significant collection of ancient texts that continue to be valued. Additionally, the language should possess a unique literary heritage, not derived from any other language, and there should be a clear distinction between the classical language and its modern versions or dialects. Following the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "Our Government cherishes and celebrates India's rich history and culture. We have also been unwavering in our commitment to popularising regional languages. I am extremely glad the Cabinet has decided that Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit will be conferred the status of Classical Languages! Each of them are beautiful languages, highlighting our vibrant diversity. Congratulations to everyone" Also read: India roasts US agency alleging abuses against religious minorities West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, responding to the news that Bengali had received classical language status, wrote on X: "Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by Government of India. We had been trying to snatch this recognition from Ministry of Culture, GOI and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our contention. Union government has accepted our well-researched claim today evening and we finally reach the cultural apex in the body of languages in India." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also thanked the Prime Minister, saying, "Thank you Hon’ble Prime Minister for this decision. Your love and affection for the Assamese language and culture is unparalleled and the people of Assam will be forever indebted to you for recognising our beautiful mother tongue as a Classical language." (With inputs from agencies)

Union govt grants ‘classical language’ status to Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit

Former Managing Director of Google and Twitter Parminder Singh recently took to X and shared a very interesting observation regarding ethnicity.&nbsp;

In his post shared on April 14, Singh emphasised how Malaysians often refer to Sikhs as Bengalis. He further explained that not just Sikhs, but everybody from North India is perceived as Bengalis in the country.&nbsp;

<h2>Singh decodes 'historicity' behind the 'ethnic' confusion</h2>

Singh, clarifying the confusion, said that the people in Malaysia tend to refer to everyone from North India as Bengalis. He said that he was made aware of this by fellow Malay Indians in a meditation retreat in Malaysia.

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Explaining the historical reason behind the confusion, Singh said, ''British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the Calcutta port, the majority of whom were Sikhs recruited for army, police, and security jobs. To the Malay people, everyone who didn't come from Madras, essentially everyone from North India, was a Bengali."

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In Malaysia, Sikhs are often referred to as Bengalis! I recently learned this fact and the fascinating history behind it. British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the…
— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/parrysingh/status/1779353391040483614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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''In a lighter vein, some of them insisted on calling me Parry Dada (the Bengali term for elder brother). I suppose this is the opposite of how many of us North Indians tend to label everyone from the South as 'Madrasis'," he explained.

<h1>Netizens share their own anecdotes&nbsp;</h1>

Netizens appreciated the observation shared by Singh and wrote their own stories of how their ethnicities and cultures were misunderstood by people of other nationalities.&nbsp;

"That is so amusing. Reminds me of what a salwar-kurta/kameez is called in Odisha. It is called, believe it or not, Punjabi!!! Imagine telling the shopkeeper there 'Show me colourful Punjabis'," said one user.

Watch:&nbsp;Malaysia urges Meta and TikTok to tackle harmful content on platforms

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''Yea all over the world we are undersrood differently as per their own perception, based on lack of knowledge but in reality we the Sikhs carry values of of each one of those. We are like a VIBGYOR of the world communities and hence all names are acceptable," wrote another netizen. (sic)

"This is why colloquially many south Asians used to refer to every white person as “Angrez” (Angrez means English, not French/German/Scottish etc). And it's the reason the name for Sind/Hind/Indus became a mistaken label for all South Asians - Panjab Sind Gujarat Maratha," said a third user.

''Interesting. In East Africa, Sikhs are called Kala Singha. An earliest immigrant Sikh was one Kala Singh and Indians with beard and similar turban like Kala Singh got the same name tag," wrote another netizen.&nbsp;

Former Managing Director of Google and Twitter Parminder Singh recently took to X and shared a very interesting observation regarding ethnicity. In his post shared on April 14, Singh emphasised how Malaysians often refer to Sikhs as Bengalis.

Former Managing Director of Google and Twitter Parminder Singh recently took to X and shared a very interesting observation regarding ethnicity. In his post shared on April 14, Singh emphasised how Malaysians often refer to Sikhs as Bengalis. He further explained that not just Sikhs, but everybody from North India is perceived as Bengalis in the country. Singh decodes 'historicity' behind the 'ethnic' confusion Singh, clarifying the confusion, said that the people in Malaysia tend to refer to everyone from North India as Bengalis. He said that he was made aware of this by fellow Malay Indians in a meditation retreat in Malaysia. Also Read: Malaysia opens visa-free entry for Indian, Chinese travelers from Dec 1 Explaining the historical reason behind the confusion, Singh said, ''British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the Calcutta port, the majority of whom were Sikhs recruited for army, police, and security jobs. To the Malay people, everyone who didn't come from Madras, essentially everyone from North India, was a Bengali." In Malaysia, Sikhs are often referred to as Bengalis! I recently learned this fact and the fascinating history behind it. British India had three sea ports - Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay. British Malaya was served by ships from Calcutta and Madras. Most North Indians used the… — Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) April 14, 2024 × ''In a lighter vein, some of them insisted on calling me Parry Dada (the Bengali term for elder brother). I suppose this is the opposite of how many of us North Indians tend to label everyone from the South as 'Madrasis'," he explained. Netizens share their own anecdotes Netizens appreciated the observation shared by Singh and wrote their own stories of how their ethnicities and cultures were misunderstood by people of other nationalities. "That is so amusing. Reminds me of what a salwar-kurta/kameez is called in Odisha. It is called, believe it or not, Punjabi!!! Imagine telling the shopkeeper there 'Show me colourful Punjabis'," said one user. Watch: Malaysia urges Meta and TikTok to tackle harmful content on platforms ''Yea all over the world we are undersrood differently as per their own perception, based on lack of knowledge but in reality we the Sikhs carry values of of each one of those. We are like a VIBGYOR of the world communities and hence all names are acceptable," wrote another netizen. (sic) "This is why colloquially many south Asians used to refer to every white person as “Angrez” (Angrez means English, not French/German/Scottish etc). And it's the reason the name for Sind/Hind/Indus became a mistaken label for all South Asians - Panjab Sind Gujarat Maratha," said a third user. ''Interesting. In East Africa, Sikhs are called Kala Singha. An earliest immigrant Sikh was one Kala Singh and Indians with beard and similar turban like Kala Singh got the same name tag," wrote another netizen.

North Indians are mistaken for Bengalis in THIS country. The simple reasoning dates back to British rule

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-arrives-at-un-court-for-genocide-hearings-267407">Myanmar</a> has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority.

The Hague-based court-ordered Myanmar to protect the persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-rohingya-crisis-what-to-watch-for-in-2019-187973">Rohingya</a> against further atrocities and preserve evidence of alleged crimes, after mostly Muslim Gambia launched a lawsuit in November accusing Myanmar of genocide.

"The government is already doing most of the orders," Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-court-frames-new-charges-against-saffron-revolution-leader-1522">National League for Democracy</a>, told Reuters by phone, without elaborating.

"One more thing we need to do is submit reports," he said, referring to one of several measures approved by the court requiring Myanmar to write regular summaries of its progress.

But he said the civilian government, who rule jointly with the military in an awkward constitutional arrangement that reserves great powers for the commander-in-chief, could not control troops.

"Under the current political circumstances, we have difficulties solving some issues - such as the (order) that the government must ensure its military or armed insurgents do not commit genocide or attempt to commit genocide against Rohingya or Bengali," he said.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled western Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that the U.N has said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar says the military campaign was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation launched in response to militant attacks on security forces.

Some 600,000 Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined in apartheid-like conditions to camps and villages, unable to freely access healthcare and education.

They are derided as "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-call-them-bengalis-call-them-bangladesh-says-pakistan-skipper-sarfaraz-ahmed-to-journo-234088">Bengalis</a>", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite tracing their history in Rakhine back centuries.

The court said in its judgment on Thursday it did not accept Myanmar’s assertion that it has been taking steps to facilitate the return of refugees, promote peace in Rakhine, and hold the military accountable through domestic mechanisms.

"In particular, the Court notes that Myanmar has not presented to the Court concrete measures aimed specifically at recognizing and ensuring the right of the Rohingya to exist as a protected group under the Genocide Convention," it said.

While Thursday's ruling was an emotional victory for the minority, who have for decades fought to prove their existence as an ethnic group, legal analysts said it will be difficult to force Myanmar to comply.

In a statement late Thursday, the ministry of foreign affairs said it had noted the ruling but did not mention specific steps it was taking. The next morning the front page of the state-run newspaper the Global New Light of Myanmar read: "Myanmar takes note of ICJ decision. There was no genocide in Rakhine".

While the measures are legally binding, there is no enforcement mechanism.

In separate statements on Friday, Britain and Malaysia urged Myanmar to fully implement the measures. UN&nbsp;human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell told a UN&nbsp;briefing in Geneva the office "calls on Myanmar to immediately and unconditionally implement them in full".

"We know that there are limitations but it’s very important for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh and in Myanmar to know that the world has heard them, the highest court in the land has made this decision," said human rights lawyer Antonia Mulvey.

Kobsak Chutikul, a Thai diplomat who in 2018 quit a government-appointed panel set up to probe the alleged atrocities, said he feared the government would "delay and obfuscate" once the spotlight faded.

Of dozens of people interviewed by Reuters in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, only two were aware of the judgment, and neither of them paid much heed.

"I already knew that Myanmar would lose this case since the other side is funded by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-times-islamic-countries-honoured-pm-modi-with-their-highest-awards-245560">Islamic countries</a>," said a civil servant, who also asked not to be named.

Myanmar has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority.

Myanmar has put in place measures to protect Rohingya Muslims, a spokesman for the ruling party said on Friday, shrugging off an order from the International Court of Justice a day earlier to stop genocidal acts against the ethnic minority. The Hague-based court-ordered Myanmar to protect the persecuted Rohingya against further atrocities and preserve evidence of alleged crimes, after mostly Muslim Gambia launched a lawsuit in November accusing Myanmar of genocide. "The government is already doing most of the orders," Myo Nyunt, a spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy, told Reuters by phone, without elaborating. "One more thing we need to do is submit reports," he said, referring to one of several measures approved by the court requiring Myanmar to write regular summaries of its progress. But he said the civilian government, who rule jointly with the military in an awkward constitutional arrangement that reserves great powers for the commander-in-chief, could not control troops. "Under the current political circumstances, we have difficulties solving some issues - such as the (order) that the government must ensure its military or armed insurgents do not commit genocide or attempt to commit genocide against Rohingya or Bengali," he said. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled western Rakhine state for neighbouring Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a military-led crackdown that the U.N has said was executed with genocidal intent. Myanmar says the military campaign was a legitimate counter-insurgency operation launched in response to militant attacks on security forces. Some 600,000 Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined in apartheid-like conditions to camps and villages, unable to freely access healthcare and education. They are derided as "Bengalis", implying they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite tracing their history in Rakhine back centuries. The court said in its judgment on Thursday it did not accept Myanmar’s assertion that it has been taking steps to facilitate the return of refugees, promote peace in Rakhine, and hold the military accountable through domestic mechanisms. "In particular, the Court notes that Myanmar has not presented to the Court concrete measures aimed specifically at recognizing and ensuring the right of the Rohingya to exist as a protected group under the Genocide Convention," it said. While Thursday's ruling was an emotional victory for the minority, who have for decades fought to prove their existence as an ethnic group, legal analysts said it will be difficult to force Myanmar to comply. In a statement late Thursday, the ministry of foreign affairs said it had noted the ruling but did not mention specific steps it was taking. The next morning the front page of the state-run newspaper the Global New Light of Myanmar read: "Myanmar takes note of ICJ decision. There was no genocide in Rakhine". While the measures are legally binding, there is no enforcement mechanism. In separate statements on Friday, Britain and Malaysia urged Myanmar to fully implement the measures. UN human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell told a UN briefing in Geneva the office "calls on Myanmar to immediately and unconditionally implement them in full". "We know that there are limitations but it’s very important for the Rohingya community in Bangladesh and in Myanmar to know that the world has heard them, the highest court in the land has made this decision," said human rights lawyer Antonia Mulvey. Kobsak Chutikul, a Thai diplomat who in 2018 quit a government-appointed panel set up to probe the alleged atrocities, said he feared the government would "delay and obfuscate" once the spotlight faded. Of dozens of people interviewed by Reuters in Yangon, Myanmar's commercial capital, only two were aware of the judgment, and neither of them paid much heed. "I already knew that Myanmar would lose this case since the other side is funded by the Islamic countries," said a civil servant, who also asked not to be named.

Myanmar already protecting Rohingyas, says ruling party after ICJ order

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apology-from-mamata-banerjee-among-6-demands-put-forth-by-agitating-west-bengal-doctors-227140">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> Friday insisted that those living in West Bengal will have to learn to speak in Bengali as she accused the BJP of targeting Bengalis and minorities to replicate the "Gujarat model" to capture power in the state.

She said she would never allow the BJP to turn West Bengal into Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, and asserted that "we will never allow Bengalis to become homeless in Bengal".

Banerjee, a vocal critic of the prime minister, said, "We have to bring Bangla (language) forward. When we go to Delhi we speak in Hindi, when we go to Punjab we have to speak in Punjabi. I do it. When I go to Tamil Nadu, I don't know the Tamil language, but I know a few words. So in the same way if you are coming to Bengal you have to speak in Bengali...We would not allow that people will come from outside and beat up Bengalis."

The Trinamool Congress supremo was addressing a rally in Kanchrapara in North 24 Parganas district. The area is the home turf of BJP leader Mukul Roy, a friend-turned-foe of the TMC president.

Roy's son Subhrangshu is the MLA from the Bijpur constituency and has recently switched over to the BJP from the TMC.

"In Naihati, Kakinara, Barrackpore, houses of Bengalis have been ransacked. We will not tolerate this. Our party cadres didn't ransack houses of non-Bengalis here. We are against this sort of violence," she said.

"Just because they have won a few seats by programming EVMs doesn't mean that you can beat up Bengalis and minorities in the state. We will not tolerate this. The police will take action against the hooligans. If someone is living in Bengal he or she has to speak in Bengali," Banerjee said.

In the fiercely fought Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 18 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, only four less than the TMC's 22.&nbsp;

Alleging that the BJP manipulated electronic voting machines (EVMs), the chief minister called for a return to ballot papers.&nbsp;

Referring to the "attack on north Indians especially natives of Bihar in Maharashtra a few years back", she said the people of Bengal believe in the coexistence of all communities, religion, caste and creed.

"I have nothing against non-Bengalis living in Bengal. But BJP is trying to create a Bengali and non-Bengali divide. I would urge them not to test our patience. We will never allow Bengalis to become homeless in Bengal," Banerjee said.

Alleging that BJP is trying to turn Bengal into Gujarat, Banerjee said just like BJP conducted riots in the western state to retain power, it is trying to use the same technique in Bengal.

"We have nothing against Gujarat or residents of that state. We are against the politics of riots that BJP had followed in that state and is trying to replicate here. As long as I am there I would never allow them to turn Bengal into Gujarat," she said.

Speaking on the issue of doctors' strike, Banerjee reiterated her statement that some outsiders were involved in instigating the doctors and were behind the protest.

Banerjee said she had seen some outsiders inside the SSKM Hospital premises raising slogans against the government.

"I had rightly said yesterday that there were outsiders involved in yesterday's incident. I had seen some outsiders who were raising slogans there," Banerjee said referring to her visit to SSKM Hospital Thursday in a bid to end the strike by doctors.

Banerjee had set a 2 pm-deadline to the striking doctors to resume work Thursday, which they defied and continued with the stir.

In an apparent dig at noted film-maker Aparna Sen's visit to a hospital and criticism of her "outsider comment", Banerjee, without naming anyone, said unlike a few "pseudo-intellectuals" she doesn't make any comment without cross-checking facts.

Before ending her speech, Banerjee reiterated her slogans of "Jai Bangla" and "Jai Hind" to counter the BJP's slogan of "Jai Shri Ram".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday insisted that those living in West Bengal will have to learn to speak in Bengali as she accused the BJP of targeting Bengalis and minorities to replicate the "Gujarat model" to capture power in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday insisted that those living in West Bengal will have to learn to speak in Bengali as she accused the BJP of targeting Bengalis and minorities to replicate the "Gujarat model" to capture power in the state. She said she would never allow the BJP to turn West Bengal into Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, and asserted that "we will never allow Bengalis to become homeless in Bengal". Banerjee, a vocal critic of the prime minister, said, "We have to bring Bangla (language) forward. When we go to Delhi we speak in Hindi, when we go to Punjab we have to speak in Punjabi. I do it. When I go to Tamil Nadu, I don't know the Tamil language, but I know a few words. So in the same way if you are coming to Bengal you have to speak in Bengali...We would not allow that people will come from outside and beat up Bengalis." The Trinamool Congress supremo was addressing a rally in Kanchrapara in North 24 Parganas district. The area is the home turf of BJP leader Mukul Roy, a friend-turned-foe of the TMC president. Roy's son Subhrangshu is the MLA from the Bijpur constituency and has recently switched over to the BJP from the TMC. "In Naihati, Kakinara, Barrackpore, houses of Bengalis have been ransacked. We will not tolerate this. Our party cadres didn't ransack houses of non-Bengalis here. We are against this sort of violence," she said. "Just because they have won a few seats by programming EVMs doesn't mean that you can beat up Bengalis and minorities in the state. We will not tolerate this. The police will take action against the hooligans. If someone is living in Bengal he or she has to speak in Bengali," Banerjee said. In the fiercely fought Lok Sabha election, the BJP won 18 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, only four less than the TMC's 22. Alleging that the BJP manipulated electronic voting machines (EVMs), the chief minister called for a return to ballot papers. Referring to the "attack on north Indians especially natives of Bihar in Maharashtra a few years back", she said the people of Bengal believe in the coexistence of all communities, religion, caste and creed. "I have nothing against non-Bengalis living in Bengal. But BJP is trying to create a Bengali and non-Bengali divide. I would urge them not to test our patience. We will never allow Bengalis to become homeless in Bengal," Banerjee said. Alleging that BJP is trying to turn Bengal into Gujarat, Banerjee said just like BJP conducted riots in the western state to retain power, it is trying to use the same technique in Bengal. "We have nothing against Gujarat or residents of that state. We are against the politics of riots that BJP had followed in that state and is trying to replicate here. As long as I am there I would never allow them to turn Bengal into Gujarat," she said. Speaking on the issue of doctors' strike, Banerjee reiterated her statement that some outsiders were involved in instigating the doctors and were behind the protest. Banerjee said she had seen some outsiders inside the SSKM Hospital premises raising slogans against the government. "I had rightly said yesterday that there were outsiders involved in yesterday's incident. I had seen some outsiders who were raising slogans there," Banerjee said referring to her visit to SSKM Hospital Thursday in a bid to end the strike by doctors. Banerjee had set a 2 pm-deadline to the striking doctors to resume work Thursday, which they defied and continued with the stir. In an apparent dig at noted film-maker Aparna Sen's visit to a hospital and criticism of her "outsider comment", Banerjee, without naming anyone, said unlike a few "pseudo-intellectuals" she doesn't make any comment without cross-checking facts. Before ending her speech, Banerjee reiterated her slogans of "Jai Bangla" and "Jai Hind" to counter the BJP's slogan of "Jai Shri Ram".

Those living in Bengal will have to learn to speak in Bengali: Mamata Banerjee

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