Kolkata: On April 26, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) took suo motu cognisance of a video aired on a Bengali news channel in which West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen using the derogatory term “Chmr” against members of the Scheduled Caste community. The development comes amid the ongoing Assembly elections in the state, just days ahead of Phase II polling scheduled for April 29.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged derogatory use of the word “Chamar” by Mamata Banerjee against the Scheduled Caste community during an election rally at Chowringhee on 23 April 2026. https://t.co/yEWLBKNoeN
— National Commission for Scheduled Castes (@NCSC_GoI) April 26, 2026
The Commission noted that, during an election rally at Chowringhee in Kolkata in support of a TMC candidate, Mamata Banerjee, while highlighting her government’s achievements, allegedly used a term regarded as derogatory towards the Scheduled Caste community in the Janbazar area. It observed that the use of a casteist slur in a demeaning manner amounts to an insult to the community and termed the incident “shameful.” The body further stated that such remarks may attract provisions under Section 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, emphasising that they are not only objectionable but also constitute a punishable offence under the law.
“Whereas suo motu cognisance has been taken by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) on a video aired on Kolkata TV dated 26.04.2026, in which derogatory language has allegedly been used by Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, against the Scheduled Caste community, with the incident stated to have occurred in West Bengal, as enclosed. The Commission has decided to investigate/inquire into the matter in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 338 of the Constitution of India,” the official notification read.
The notices issued by the Commission’s Director, Sonali Dutta, to the West Bengal Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police have directed the submission of a detailed report within three days. It further cautioned that failure to comply may result in the invocation of powers of Civil Courts vested in the Commission under Article 338, including issuance of summons for personal appearance or appearance through a representative before the body.
NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana stated that the Commission “will not tolerate caste-based insults at any level” and remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes. Describing the remarks as “unfortunate,” he also noted a reported rise in atrocities and violence against the community in the state.
