Mamata Banerjee on Thursday condemned PM Modi’s criticism of the TMC authorities throughout a rally in Alipurduar, calling it politically charged and ill-timed. She stated the assault got here whilst an all-party Indian delegation is touring international nations to construct stress in opposition to Pakistan-backed terrorism.

Kolkata:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his sharp criticism of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) authorities, calling it “deeply saddening” and politically motivated at a time when Opposition leaders are representing India overseas in a united stand in opposition to terrorism.

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s rally in Alipurduar, Banerjee expressed disappointment that whereas an all-party delegation — together with her occasion MP Abhishek Banerjee — is presently partaking with different nations to focus on Pakistan-backed terrorism, Modi is focusing on the Bengal authorities for political acquire.

“We are shocked and saddened. When the Opposition is abroad representing India’s fight against terrorism, Modi ji is back home criticising Bengal,” Banerjee stated. “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 additionally took sturdy exception to Union ministers likening future motion in Bengal to ‘Operation Sindoor’ — the Centre’s current anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir — and accused the BJP of trying to politicise nationwide safety.

“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 stated, cautioning the BJP management to not underestimate public sentiment within the state.

Dismissing the Centre’s framing of ‘Operation Sindoor’ as an apolitical effort, Banerjee stated, “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.”

Modi requires ‘freedom’ from TMC rule

Earlier within the day, addressing a rally in Alipurduar, Prime Minister Modi launched a blistering assault on the TMC authorities, claiming the individuals of Bengal need freedom from “violence, appeasement, riots, and corruption”. “The state is battling five major crises,” Modi stated. “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.”

Accusing the TMC of destroying the schooling system, Modi stated youth and poor households are bearing the brunt of the state authorities’s failures and corruption.

Garbage of lies: Mamata

Responding to those accusations, Banerjee hit again fiercely, saying the Prime Minister was spreading “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 stated.

Banerjee additionally reiterated that her authorities has constantly supported the Centre’s anti-terror efforts and expects the identical cooperative spirit from the Union management. “Don’t politicise national issues. We are defending the country in our own way. Respect that, at least at this hour,” she stated.

(With PTI inputs)