Sambit Patra rejects allegations of Bengalis being branded as Bangladeshis in Odisha

Puri Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra on Friday strongly refuted allegations that Bengali-speaking people in Odisha were being branded as Bangladeshis and forced out of the state. Responding to a claim made by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP, Patra in the Parliament said the accusation was ‘completely false’ and urged the member to withdraw it.

Patra clarified that Odisha has always upheld a spirit of inclusiveness and harmony, embracing people from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. 

“Odisha has never shown any discriminatory attitude towards speakers of any language. Bengali-speaking people are our friends and have always been treated with respect,” he said.

However, Patra emphasised that the state government has taken a firm stand against illegal immigration.

Also Read: Dhamnagar bypoll: Dharmendra Pradhan, Sambit Patra meet CEC, demand action against BJD

He reiterated that while law-abiding citizens from any community are welcome, there is ‘no place in Odisha for Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, or infiltrators of any kind’. He added that the government is addressing such concerns with utmost seriousness.

The Puri MP highlighted that the Constitution remains the guiding force for all actions and policies, stating, “The Constitution of India stands above everything.” He accused the TMC MP of spreading misinformation and urged her to retract the allegations made on the floor of the House.

The issue sparked brief political tension, but Patra reiterated that Odisha continues to maintain peace, coexistence, and respect for all communities, dismissing claims of targeted harassment as unfounded.