Kolkata: A year before Assembly elections are due in West Bengal, the poll bugle seems to have been sounded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his first visit to West Bengal post Operation Sindoor, launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on Thursday.
Hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee government’s “politics of violence, appeasement, riots and corruption”, the PM said at a public rally in Alipurduar that West Bengal needs “freedom” and people are looking towards BJP’s development model.
The chief minister was quick to hit back at Modi’s sharp criticism of her government, challenging him to a live TV debate and daring the BJP to call early elections in the state.
Responding to the PM’s ‘Operation Bengal’ comment, Mamata said the Central government was playing “political Holi” even as Opposition leaders were trying to safeguard national interests globally.
“What PM Modi said today, we are not only shocked, but it is unfortunate to hear… The entire opposition is representing the country at the world stage, they have taken a bold step to protect the country’s national interest. But is it the time for PM Modi and his leaders to say that they would do ‘Operation Bengal’ like they did Operation Sindoor?” Mamata said, referring to the multi-party diplomatic delegations visiting several countries to explain India’s stance and actions against terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil.
Accusing the Centre of coining the codename ‘Operation Sindoor’ for political mileage, Mamata questioned Modi’s remarks while her party’s MP Abhishek Banerjee is part of one of the delegations meeting global leaders.
“Today when our party MP is defending the country on the international stage, PM comes to Bengal to defame our state. Abhishek Banerjee is raising his voice for the nation, and the PM is busy blaming the opposition and our government,” Mamata fumed.
Taking exception to Modi’s ‘Operation Bengal’ remark, Mamata called it an insult to the people of the state. “Modi has disrespected the women of Bengal. We respect everyone but not at the cost of our own self-respect. How dare he say ‘Operation Bengal’? If that is the case, call elections tomorrow. We are ready!” Mamata said.
“Let there be a live TV debate. Let’s talk about Bengal, India, and what the opposition is trying to do to protect the Constitution and democracy,” Mamata went on.
“Operation Sindoor was just a political catch. All opposition parties are united and reaching out to the world, and at that time, political Holi is being played,” she added.
Hours earlier, Modi accused the TMC government of “cruelty and indifference” following recent violence in Murshidabad and Malda. The PM also alleged that the state government was continuing to block Central welfare schemes and playing politics instead of focusing on development.
Modi even used the term ‘nirmamta’ — meaning cruelty — to frame his attack on the Bengal CM.
