West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday demanded the resignation of the BJP government at the Centre over the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 men, mostly tourists, were killed, calling it a “total failure of the government” and a “colossal lapse” in internal security.
Speaking in the Assembly during the passing of a resolution commending the Indian armed forces for their precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor – though the resolution did not mention its name – the chief minister said India had a “golden opportunity” to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during last month’s military conflict but failed to act decisively as she questioned the foreign policy of the BJP government.
“We had an opportunity to take control of PoK. Instead, Pakistan has been allowed in a committee on terrorism created by the UN. Is there a flaw in our foreign policy?” she said.
Demanding accountability from the Centre for what she called a “colossal lapse” in internal security during the Pahalgam terror attack, the chief minister said: “When terrorists attacked, there were no police there. Kashmir police is not controlled by the state government. Those who were attacked by the terrorists repeatedly asked for help. But no police personnel, Army men were there to help them… Why were no security forces or police personnel present at the spot? We don’t know the attackers in Pahalgam till date. No one has been arrested…Why? How did such an attack happen in a high-security zone.. This is a total failure of government, a total failure of agencies.”
Asserting that “we don’t support terrorism; it has no religion, caste, or creed”, Banerjee said those responsible for the Pahalgam killings must be brought to justice without delay.
She praised the Indian military action, stating, “There was a need for teaching them a lesson. We salute the bravery of our armed forces.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshows following Operation Sindoor, the TMC chief said that he was only “busy advertising himself”. “You just roam around promoting sindoor. We respect sindoor. You don’t respect women. Why didn’t the Prime Minister visit Rajouri, Poonch sites (hit by Pakistan shelling)?” she asked.
Accusing the BJP of trying to politicise the valour of the armed forces with an eye on elections, she also recalled how the BJP allegedly politicised the Pulwama terror attack in the past and warned against similar attempts to “provoke unrest” ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Pointing to the BJP legislators, who chanted “Modi Modi”, Banerjee said: “Apnader bhoi laage… Election aele ekta Pulwama korte hobe, eta jeno na hoi (“We are afraid of you…when election comes, do another Pulwama, that should not happen)”. She was referring to Pulwama terror attack in which a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of the CRPF, killing nearly 40 personnel, on Februaray 14, 2019, months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The CM also questioned why the Prime Minister or Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not visit any foreign country instead had sent parliamentary delegations composed of MPs from Opposition parties. “You needed to send your own minister, your Defence Minister. You should have gone yourself. Instead of you going, you sent the opposition parties, they did that job. That’s why I thank them for doing their job brilliantly,” she said.
Seven parliamentary delegations were sent to major global capitals to reinforce India’s diplomatic messaging following Operation Sindoor.
Amidst the ruckus, Banerjee continued her attack on the Centre, raising questions, and the recent appointment of Pakistan as the vice chair of the UN’s anti-terror committee.
“Pakistan has become the vice chair of the UN’s anti-terror committee. How? Were we lacking in diplomatic relations?” she asked, while calling External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar “a good person, a capable bureaucrat.”
Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-26 term, will chair the Council’s Taliban Sanctions Committee for 2025 and will be vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation UN organ.
She also expressed concern about India’s diplomatic strategy with respect to Pakistan. “I don’t know if there is an issue with our diplomacy, as Pakistan is still getting loans from the IMF, instead of being cornered internationally,” the CM said.
She added, “I support the resolution because I think this strike was important to send a strong message. I pay my respects to those who lost their lives. Terrorism can never be forgiven.” Banerjee referred to reports of Pakistani spies being arrested from Gujarat, the home state of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“How did information from Modi-Shah’s state reach Pakistan?” she asked.
Tempers flared in the House when BJP legislators interrupted her speech. Banerjee shot back, calling the BJP “uncivilised” and “liars”.
“You are fake Hindus. My voice will drown out your noise. You only promote yourselves and insult the people of this country,” she said, addressing the BJP benches amid loud sloganeering from both the opposition and treasury benches.
With PTI