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Mamata Banerjee Accuses Centre of Colonial Paternalism Over 'Sir' Label

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 10:14 GMT by ThePrint

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Mamata Banerjee Slams the Centre Over “Sir”‑Style Claims of Secular Politics

In a scathing public statement that has rippled across political corridors, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has publicly castigated the central government for its “Sir”‑laden assertion that it is committed to secular politics. The remarks, made during a press briefing in the state’s capital, were a direct rebuke of the BJP‑led Union Cabinet’s recent pronouncements, which the CM sees as a textbook example of colonial‑era politeness masking a fundamentally exclusionary agenda.

1. The “Sir” of the Centre

The controversy began when Union Minister Arjun Singh, in a televised interview, repeatedly used the term “Sir” in reference to the Prime Minister and to himself, and then declared that “the government is fully committed to secular politics.” The phrase quickly became the subject of satire and comment, with many commentators pointing out that the usage of “Sir” carries a patronising tone reminiscent of colonial administrative discourse.

Mamata Banerjee took the opportunity to launch a verbal counter‑attack, stating that “behaving like British” is not a sign of humility but of arrogance. She suggested that the term “Sir” reflects a paternalistic attitude that was a staple of the British Raj, where colonial officers would address the Indian sub‑continent’s leaders as “Sir” to imply subordination.

2. The BJP’s Secular Narrative

The BJP’s claim of being “committed to secular politics” is not new. Over the past decade, the party has repeatedly touted its secular credentials to win votes among India’s minority communities. The 2015 Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the 2019 National Register of Citizens (NRC) drive, and the BJP’s “Hindutva” ideology are frequently cited by critics as evidence of a contrary approach.

In the recent interview, Arjun Singh’s remarks were interpreted by many as an attempt to soften the image of the CAA/NRC policy. “Secular politics,” he said, “does not mean ignoring the needs of a particular group.” This was meant to quell criticism that the policies disproportionately target Muslims, but it failed to dispel the perception that the BJP’s policies were in fact religiously motivated.

Mamata Banerjee’s response was direct: “A party that claims to be secular cannot stand by when its own policies are discriminatory.” She cited the 2019 NRC, which left thousands of migrants and naturalised citizens in a legal limbo, as evidence that the BJP’s secular rhetoric was a façade.

3. Mamata’s Call for Genuine Secularism

Mamata has long championed West Bengal’s legacy of communal harmony. She has pointed out that the state’s political fabric—rooted in a mix of left‑wing, centrist, and right‑wing forces—has maintained a degree of religious pluralism that has allowed communities to coexist peacefully. In her speech, she argued that real secularism means:

• Inclusive governance: Ensuring that every religious group is represented in decision‑making bodies.
• Protection of minority rights: Actively safeguarding against laws that disproportionately target a particular group.
• Open discourse: Encouraging debate on religious issues without the threat of state intimidation.

Mamata said, “If the centre truly wants to be secular, it must stop using ‘Sir’ as a tool of subordination and start engaging with us on a genuine platform of equality.”

4. Political Ramifications

Mamata’s criticism comes at a politically crucial time. West Bengal’s TMC is gearing up for the next state elections, and the central government has been intensifying its efforts to expand its influence in the eastern region. By calling out the BJP’s “Sir” usage and its purported secular stance, Mamata is attempting to galvanise anti‑BJP sentiment among the state’s electorate.

The BJP’s leaders, in turn, have been quick to defend their rhetoric. In a press release, the party’s spokesperson highlighted that “Sir” is a courtesy that respects the office of the Prime Minister, not a colonial relic. The spokesperson also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to secularism, citing welfare schemes and outreach programmes aimed at minority communities.

The centre’s stance has also drawn attention from the national media. The Print, which has covered this issue extensively, has already published articles detailing the historical use of “Sir” in colonial contexts and its implications in modern Indian politics. Links to those pieces can be found within the original article, providing further insight into the cultural baggage of the term.

5. What’s Next?

While the immediate backlash from the central government has yet to be seen, the conversation around the term “Sir” and secular politics is expected to intensify. Mamata’s comments have already sparked a wave of social media posts, editorial pieces, and parliamentary debates. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has hinted at a response that will clarify its stance on both the usage of “Sir” and the party’s secular policies.

Meanwhile, Mamata is continuing her campaign in West Bengal, where she has pledged to oppose any attempt by the centre to impose policies that threaten communal harmony. Her recent statement has further cemented her image as a staunch defender of secularism, even if it means openly challenging the BJP’s narrative.

6. Take‑away

• Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP for using the term “Sir” while claiming secularism.
• She accused the centre of colonial‑era paternalism and hypocrisy.
• The criticism is rooted in the BJP’s recent controversial policies (CAA, NRC).
• Mamata calls for genuine, inclusive secular governance.
• The issue is unfolding amid West Bengal’s upcoming elections and broader national politics.

For those wanting to read the full original article and explore related coverage, The Print’s archive provides links to earlier pieces on the BJP’s secular narrative, the historical use of “Sir” in India, and the political dynamics in West Bengal.