West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of using a sensitive military operation for political gain. She said the PM is weakening India’s fight against terrorism by turning Operation Sindoor into a political issue.
At a press conference on Thursday, Mamata questioned the naming of Operation Sindoor, suggesting it was done to emotionally influence people, especially in Bengal, where sindoor (vermilion) holds cultural and religious importance.
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Referring to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the Army officer who briefed the media during the operation, Mamata accused the PM of using religion and India’s diverse culture only when it suits his political agenda. She said Modi compares terrorists to Bengal’s soil and the dignity of Bengali women, which is deeply insulting.
“Every woman respects sindoor, but that doesn’t mean the PM can use it to win votes. He should stop misusing symbols that represent women’s pride,” Mamata said.
She also criticised Modi for allowing BJP leaders to say at a recent rally in Alipurduar that “Operation Bengal” will be like Operation Sindoor—implying that the TMC will be removed like terrorists. Mamata responded sharply, saying if Modi is so confident, he should conduct elections immediately. “If you have the guts, hold elections tomorrow,” she challenged.
Taking another dig at Modi, Mamata said he might not even be the Prime Minister in 2026, as he earlier mentioned retiring at the age of 75. She mocked him for changing his image—from a tea-seller to a security guard, and now using sindoor as a political tool. “Sindoor is not something to sell. It represents the dignity of women,” she said.
She also referred to scandals involving BJP leaders, including a recent one in Uttar Pradesh and insensitive comments about widows of Pahalgam.
At the same rally, Modi had attacked Mamata’s government over the Murshidabad riots and teacher recruitment scam, calling it a corrupt and violent administration. He claimed that the people of Bengal were eager to remove what he called a “cruel government.”
Mamata hit back, saying the armed forces are India’s pride, but Modi behaves like a “cassette” that keeps repeating the same message. She mocked him for staying silent on U.S. President Donald Trump’s past comments about helping resolve India-Pakistan issues.
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She further accused Modi of dividing communities within India while trying to show unity abroad. “In Saudi Arabia, you hug the Sheikhs and forget about Hindu or Muslim identities. But here, you divide people. Shame on you, your government, and your party,” she said.
Mamata concluded by saying that Modi’s actions are harming the country and disrespecting all opposition parties who have been supporting national interests.
