West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks at a public meeting in Alipurduar, claiming that he is looking to gain “political mileage” out of Operation Sindoor and “using it as an election campaign plank” in the state.
Earlier in the day, during his visit, the PM laid the foundation stone for an Rs 1,010-crore City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts and also addressed a public rally.
Addressing a press conference, Banerjee highlighted that the terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam attack and killed 25 tourists are yet to be nabbed,
“Why are the terrorists who killed tourists in Pahalgam yet to be caught? When America says something, in one second you are silent (referring to US President Donald Trump’s claim that he mediated for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan recently). We know everything. Just for publicity or to promote someone’s image, one should not say ill about others,” the CM said.
Pointing out that this is not the time for an “election campaign” she claimed, “They (Centre) gave the name Operation Sindoor to get political mileage. Now, the representatives of all political parties, even the Opposition, are busy highlighting India’s stand to foreign countries. We are standing for national interest. Is this the time for the Prime Minister to take political mileage? This is not the time for an election campaign. We are shocked and saddened.”
“He (Modi) is here to sell Sindoor. This is an insult to women. In front of him, BJP leaders (an apparent reference to Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s remarks at the Alipurduar public meeting) are saying that on the lines of Operation Sindoor, there will be operation Bengal. We are ready for polls (Assembly polls are scheduled to be held next year). I challenge them, if they have the guts go to the polls tomorrow, we are ready. Bengal is ready,” Mamata Banerjee claimed.
“A barrage of lies (Modi’s allegations during his speech) by him. He is trying to sell Sindoor. Remember Sindoor is the respect of nuggets and sisters of this country and Bengal. Do not insult them. This is so unbecoming of Modiji,” the CM alleged.
She also emphasised the Trinamool Congress’s full support following the Pahalgam terror attack and the nation’s response to Pakistan, also highlighting that party MP Abhishek Banerjee is part of the national delegation overseas.
As part of its efforts to rally global support for India’s fight against terror emanating from Pakistan and moving to isolate Islamabad internationally, the government recently announced seven multi-party delegations, who would visit different countries to convey India’s message post the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Addressing her absence from a recent Niti Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi, Banerjee claimed, “Last time when I was there, after four minutes I was not allowed to speak. Other CMs got 10 minutes. If I am not allowed to speak, why would I go there? To have lunch?”
The chief minister also challenged PM Modi to a public debate on television to address the issues such as “corruption.”
“I challenge you. If you can sit for a debate on TV, I am ready to reply to you,” Banerjee said, also claiming, “If there is corruption here (in Bengal), the state government takes action.”
“The job loss of teachers in Bengal.. The issue was highlighted because BJP and others went to court. We are a humane government. We are trying to provide relief to the teachers while adhering to court directives,” she said.
Banerjee also highlighted that the state’s dues from the Centre amount to Rs 1, 75,000 crore.