Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, May 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, accusing him of politicising the military operation against Pakistan by naming it “Operation Sindoor” and using it as a tool for electoral propaganda.

Calling the name “politically motivated,” Banerjee questioned the timing and intention behind the Prime Minister’s remarks. “The name ‘Operation Sindoor’ was chosen with a political agenda. I had refrained from commenting earlier because delegations were touring globally to present India's case. But today, the Prime Minister came to Bengal only for political campaigning,” she said.

Banerjee’s comments came shortly after Modi addressed a rally in Alipurduar district, where he criticised the Trinamool Congress government on several fronts, including corruption and communal unrest in Murshidabad.

Responding to the allegations, the Chief Minister accused Modi of promoting divisive narratives. “He first called himself a tea-seller, then a chowkidar, and now he’s come to sell sindoor,” Banerjee remarked sarcastically, implying that Modi is using emotional and cultural symbols for political mileage.

She also rejected Modi’s accusations regarding law and order in Murshidabad, claiming that the recent communal violence there was orchestrated by the BJP. “We have concrete evidence that the BJP triggered the unrest. When the time is right, we will reveal it to the public,” she added.

Turning to allegations of corruption, Banerjee challenged the Prime Minister to address graft in BJP-governed states before levelling accusations against West Bengal. “Corruption is far worse in states ruled by the BJP. Yet no action is ever taken,” she said.

Banerjee further demanded that the Centre clear outstanding dues to the state under various schemes. “Before criticising us, the Prime Minister should first release the ?1.75 lakh crore that is pending. Only then can he claim to speak for the people,” she concluded.