Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday hit back strongly at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government after a BJP minister allegedly said that the party would carry out “Operation Bengal” similar to “Operation Sindoor” against terrorism. She said the statement was not only shocking but also deeply saddening, especially when the Opposition is standing united with the nation during a time of crisis.
Mamata Banerjee said, “What Modi ji said today is shocking and sad. At a time when the Opposition is supporting the nation and fighting against terrorism, the Prime Minister and his ministers are making political statements. In his presence, a minister said there will be ‘Operation Bengal’ like Operation Sindoor. I challenge them, if they have the guts, let them go for elections tomorrow. We are ready, and Bengal is ready.”
#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, “What Modi ji said today, we are not only shocked but also very sad to hear this, when the Opposition is representing the country…In his presence his minister said that they will do Operation Bengal, like Operation Sindoor. I… pic.twitter.com/WCSDMcqQx4
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2025
‘Every woman has dignity’, says Mamata Banerjee
She reminded the BJP that “time is a factor” and warned them not to underestimate the people of Bengal. Mamata also defended her party, saying that Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC leader and her nephew, is part of the central team that is speaking out against terrorism every day. “At such a time, Mr Modi is behaving like BJP president, not the Prime Minister of India,” she added.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s statement, she said, “You are trying to politicize terror, blaming the Opposition and targeting the state government that is fully cooperating in national security. You are doing garbage of lies. BJP is the Jumla Party. They loot the country and scoot.”
She also raised concerns over the name ‘Operation Sindoor,’ saying, “I won’t comment on that operation, but every woman has dignity. Such remarks are unacceptable and show disrespect.”
PM Modi slams TMC over Murshidabad violence
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Alipurduar in North Bengal, launched a fierce attack on the Mamata-led TMC government. He said the people of West Bengal are suffering under the weight of violence, corruption, and lawlessness and are looking forward to a change through BJP’s development model.
“West Bengal needs freedom from violence, appeasement politics, and corruption. The state is in a crisis. Our mothers and sisters are unsafe. Youth are unemployed. People have lost trust in the system. TMC’s selfish politics has taken away the rights of the poor,” PM Modi said.
He also criticized the education system in the state, referring to the teacher recruitment scam that made headlines. “TMC has destroyed the future of thousands of teachers and their families. Even now, they don’t admit their fault. They blame the courts. Students’ futures are at risk due to the absence of proper teachers,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi further condemned the recent violence in Murshidabad and Malda, calling it a result of “ruthless governance.” He said, “In the name of appeasement, criminals are allowed a free hand. People’s homes were set on fire while police stood as silent spectators. This is not how a government should work.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and said “Operation Sindoor” was India’s bold reply to those who carried out the attack. “It was not just an attack on India, but on humanity. We stood united and responded strongly. Today, India is more united than ever, and Pakistan is frustrated after the destruction of terrorist hideouts.”
He added, “Terrorists tried to divide the country, but our unity proved them wrong. India will not tolerate terrorism on its soil.”
