Mamata Banerjee bets big on Bengali pride before 2026 polls

Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has made 365 prime time shows/screening of Bengali films mandatory in multiplexes and movie halls to promote the spirit of Bengali 'asmita'.

In a notification issued on Wednesday, the government stated that in "every cinema hall, and in all screens of every multiplex in the state, 365 prime time shows/ screenings of Bengali films shall mandatorily be held throughout the year with at least one Bengali show per day on all 365 days of the year."

According to the notification, 'prime' time shows mark the shows held between 3 pm and 9 pm.


"Necessary amendment to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956, will be made in due course. This order shall come into immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders," the notification stated.

In runup to the 2026 elections, Mamata Banerjee has tried to rekindle 'Bengali asmita' and brought out protest rallies against the alleged confinement and detention of Bengali migrant workers in BJP-ruled states in the country.

She has also launched a second language movement to strengthen Bengal 'asmita'. On July 21, Banerjee had called for a second 'Bhasha Andolon' in Bengal. She has said repeatedly that she will not tolerate "linguistic terrorism" and asserted that the fight for Bengali identity and language will continue.

The 'Bhasha Andolan' in erstwhile East Pakistan, was a political movement, seeking the recognition of Bengali as the official language. This movement saw a lot of bloodbath and then Bangla was recognised as a state language of Bangladesh.