West Bengal CM Condemns Political Timing, Defends Opposition’s National Stance
Howrah: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership on Thursday, expressing shock and dismay over their remarks on ‘Operation Sindoor’ and suggestions of an ‘Operation Bengal’ amid the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking to the media, Banerjee challenged the BJP to call for elections immediately if they had the courage, accusing them of politicizing national security issues.
Strong Rebuke to BJP’s Political Narrative
Banerjee condemned the timing of Modi’s statements, emphasizing that the opposition is actively representing India’s interests on the global stage. “What PM Modi said today is not only shocking but unfortunate. The entire opposition is working to protect the country’s national interest, yet Modi and his leaders are talking about ‘Operation Bengal’ like they did ‘Operation Sindoor,’” she said. She argued that such remarks undermine the unity needed to combat terrorism, especially in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed lives and heightened security concerns.
Challenging BJP’s Electoral Confidence
In a fiery challenge, Banerjee dared the BJP to hold elections immediately. “If they have the guts, let them go for elections tomorrow,” she declared, accusing the ruling party of using national security as a political tool. Her remarks reflect growing tensions between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, particularly in West Bengal, where political rivalry has intensified ahead of future polls. Banerjee’s statement also aligns with her earlier support for united efforts against terrorism, as seen in her response to ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a counter-terrorism operation targeting militant networks.
Context of Rising Tensions
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, has reignited debates over India’s internal security and cross-border terrorism. ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a recent initiative to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, has been hailed as a success by the central government, but Banerjee’s comments highlight concerns over its politicization. According to a 2025 report by the Institute for Conflict Management, terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir have declined by 15% over the past year, yet sporadic attacks continue to challenge security forces. Banerjee’s critique suggests that the BJP’s narrative risks alienating regional allies at a critical time.
Opposition’s Role in National Interest
Banerjee praised the opposition’s efforts to uphold India’s global image, noting their “bold steps” in protecting national interests. Political analysts view her remarks as an attempt to rally opposition unity against the BJP’s aggressive posturing. “Mamata Banerjee is positioning herself as a defender of federal unity, contrasting the opposition’s collective responsibility with the BJP’s divisive rhetoric,” said Dr. Suman Roy, a Kolkata-based political commentator. Her comments also resonate with public sentiment in West Bengal, where voters have consistently backed TMC’s regional agenda over national BJP campaigns in recent elections.
Call for Unity Against Terrorism
Reiterating her commitment to fighting terrorism, Banerjee emphasized that West Bengal stands united with the nation. Her earlier statements following ‘Operation Sindoor’ underscored a collaborative approach, with the state and central governments working together against terror threats. However, she urged the BJP to focus on governance and security rather than electoral grandstanding. As India navigates complex security challenges, Banerjee’s remarks underscore the need for a cohesive national strategy that transcends political divides.
