West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of exploiting ‘Operation Sindoor’ for political gains. The remarks came hours after Modi addressed a rally in Alipurduar, West Bengal, where he attacked the TMC government in the state calling it ‘heartless’. From the same political stage while PM Modi also spoke about Operation Sindoor and praised the military precision as a decisive response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and emphasised India’s resolve against terrorism, but two of BJP’s top state leaders including Union Minister and state president Dr Sukanta Mazumdar calling for ‘Operation Bengal’ like operation sindoor to politically uproot Mamata Banerjee government from the state.
Banerjee, speaking at press conference in Kolkata, expressed dismay over what she described as Modi’s attempt to turn a national security operation into a tool for electoral propaganda. “What Modi ji said today has left us shocked and saddened. When the Opposition is standing with the nation, representing India’s fight against terrorism globally, he is playing a political Holi with Operation Sindoor,” she said. The Chief Minister took particular issue with Modi’s use of cultural imagery, such as references to ‘Sindoor Khela’, a traditional Bengali ritual, to frame the operation. “Operation Sindoor can not be used for personal political gains. It is about the sacrifice of our brave soldiers. I thought you will praise the Armed Forces but now you in the ‘business of sindoor’ for publicity,” Banerjee remarked, accusing the Prime Minister of trivialising the armed forces’ efforts. She further challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to focus on governance rather than rhetoric, stating, “If they have the courage, let them call for elections tomorrow and face the people’s verdict.”
Banerjee’s comments come amid a broader political controversy surrounding Operation Sindoor. The TMC has been vocal about its support for national security measures but has consistently demanded transparency. On May 23, Banerjee called for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, emphasising that the Indian public deserves to be informed about the conflict before international delegations. She reiterated this demand on Thursday, questioning why the government was prioritising global outreach over domestic accountability. “Our opposition leaders are touring globally and the PM is touring within the country like a salesman selling sindoor. I wouldn’t have said anything but courtesy is a two way thing. When opposition parties are supporting you, you cant come after them and the federal structure and target them”, she added.
The TMC leader also took a swipe at Modi’s remarks about law and order in West Bengal, particularly his references to recent violence in Murshidabad and Malda. “Instead of addressing Bengal’s issues constructively, the Prime Minister is busy criticising us while his own ministers talk of an ‘Operation Bengal.’ Murshidabad violence was BJP’s handiwork. You play divisive card between people and religion. Is this how you unite a nation?” she asked,
Bengal goes to polling in 2026. In 2021 while BJP had tried its best to wrest power, yet they were restricted to 77 seats. BJP has suffered massive defections and party insiders indicate internal rift and weakened organisation on the ground. War of words continued between TMC and BJP leaders on social media after their respective top chiefs set the political tone for the road to kickstart campaign for 2026.
