Mamata Banerjee Slams PM Modi: Calls BJP ‘Jumla Party That Loots and Scoots’

Mamata Banerjee Slams PM Modi: Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, on Thursday blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising Trinamool Congress (TMC) government saying it is "disturbing" and politically motivated action at a time when Opposition leaders are travelling abroad as representatives of India to ensure there is a united front against terrorism.

Reacting to Prime Minister Modi's rally in Alipurduar, Banerjee said she is disappointed that while an all-party delegation (which includes Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP) is currently engaging with other countries, to raise a political state of affairs assaulted by Pakistan-backed terrorism, the West Bengal government is a target for manipulation.

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“We are shocked and saddened. When the Opposition is abroad representing India’s fight against terrorism, Modi ji is back home criticising Bengal,” Banerjee said. “Our party is standing by the country. Abhishek Banerjee is part of the team, speaking against terrorism every day. Yet, Mr Modi is attacking us as if we are the enemy. This is not statesmanship.”

‘Operation Sindoor a political stunt’

Banerjee expressed her annoyance that Union Ministers suggested any future actions in Bengal be referred to as ‘Operation Sindoor’ – after the Centre's recent anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir - and she accused the BJP of trying to politicize national security.

“They are trying to coin new terms like ‘Operation Bengal’ to divert attention. I challenge them — if they have the courage, face elections tomorrow. Bengal is ready. But remember, time is a factor,” she said, caution the BJP leadership not to underestimate the emotions of the public in the state.

Banerjee dismissed the Centre labelling of ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an apolitical operation, Banerjee said, “Even the name has been chosen to attract attention. I won’t comment on the operation itself, but every woman knows the value of sindoor. Please don’t reduce it to a slogan.”

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Modi calls for ‘freedom’ from TMC rule

Earlier in the day, while speaking at a rally in Alipurduar, Prime Minister Modi condemned the TMC government in a campaign speech presenting to the people of Bengal, "Your democratic right is being subject to violence, appeasement, riots, and corruption!! You want freedom!!". “The state is battling five major crises,” Modi said. “There is widespread violence, crimes against women, rising unemployment, erosion of trust in the system, and a self-serving ruling party that robs the poor of their rights.”

Modi has accused the TMC of ruining the education system, noting that while the youth are bearing the brunt of the failures and corruption of the state government, poor families are also affected.

Garbage of lies: Mamata

In response to Modi’s charge, Banerjee pounced back, noting that Modi was pushing "garbage of lies." “He is no longer acting like the Prime Minister of India but the president of Bharatiya Jumla Party. They loot and scoot, and blame others. It doesn’t suit a PM to speak this way,” she said.

She asserted that her government firmly supported the Centre's anti-terror action and anticipation that it would also be able to leverage the Union's assistance equally. “Don’t politicise national issues. We are defending the country in our own way. Respect that, at least at this hour,” she said.

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