CM Mamata Banerjee welcomes Centre's decision to grant classical language status to Bengali

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 3 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to grant approval for the Bengali, along with five other languages, as "classical language". The other languages accorded this recognition are Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Marathi, and Bengali.
In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "Most happy to share that Bengali/ Bangla has been finally accorded the status of a classical language by the Government of India. We had been trying to 'snatch' this recognition from the Ministry of Culture, GOI, and we had submitted three volumes of research findings in favour of our contention."
"The Union government has accepted our well-researched claim this evening and we finally reach the cultural apex in the body of languages in India," she added.

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…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 3, 2024

Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar also welcomed the move, calling it a "historic day" for Bengali speakers.
"This is a historic day as Bengali, along with five other languages, has been accorded the status of a classical language. Heartfelt thanks to PM Shri Narendra Modi ji as a Bengali, this is really a day to be proud. A linguistic expert had made its recommendation and, working on that, the five languages have been accorded classical status", he said.
Majumdar also shared his delight on X and said, "To recognise the Bengali language as one of the classical languages is a proud moment for every Bengali. Sincere congratulations to the honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for the historic decision. The long-held dream of every Bengali surrounding their mother tongue has been fulfilled today by Narendra Modi ji. Feeling proud as an elected MP from West Bengal and above all as a Bengali. We are blessed!"
"This decision taken by the Union Cabinet once again proves the importance of Bengali language and Bengali people. The Honourable Prime Minister continues to work tirelessly for the progress of West Bengal", he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his happiness following the Cabinet's decision. He, via a post on X, said, "I am very happy that the great Bengali language has been conferred the status of a Classical Language, especially during the auspicious time of Durga Puja. Bengali literature has inspired countless people for years. I congratulate all the Bengali speakers all over the world on this."(ANI)