(Image source from: Twitter.com/AITCofficial)
On Thursday, Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, responded forcefully to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pointed critiques of her administration. She invited him to engage in a live television debate, challenging the BJP to initiate early elections in the state. "I dare you to join me for a live debate. Feel free to bring your teleprompter," she declared. Addressing Modi’s reference to “Operation Bengal,” Mamata criticized the national government for engaging in “political Holi” while opposition figures strive to represent national interests on a global scale. “What the Prime Minister articulated today is not only shocking but also regrettable... The entire opposition stands for the nation on an international platform, taking courageous measures to safeguard our national interests. Is this the moment for PM Modi and his associates to invoke ‘Operation Bengal’ as they previously did with ‘Operation Sindoor’?” she remarked.
Mamata accused the central government of utilizing the moniker ‘Operation Sindoor’ for political advantage and challenged the Prime Minister’s statements while Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee was overseas, part of a parliamentary delegation engaging with global leaders. “While one of our MPs is advocating for our country on the international scene, the PM chooses to come to Bengal to tarnish our state's reputation,” Mamata asserted. “Abhishek Banerjee is voicing concerns for the nation, yet the PM is preoccupied with blaming the opposition and our government.” She took significant offense at the “Operation Bengal” comment, deeming it derogatory toward the people of her state. "Modi has shown disrespect to the women of Bengal. We hold everyone in esteem, but not at the cost of our own dignity. How dare he speak about ‘Operation Bengal’? If that’s the case, let’s conduct elections tomorrow. We are prepared!"
"If you’re truly gutsy, agree to a face-off on any TV channel. Let it be a one-on-one debate. You can even bring a teleprompter, but spontaneous questions must be answered spontaneously."
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) May 29, 2025
– Smt. @MamataOfficial pic.twitter.com/MqH1oNfPwr
Additionally, she countered BJP claims regarding lawlessness in Bengal, referencing recent incidents involving BJP leaders. “Are you not embarrassed by what occurred in Madhya Pradesh? It’s as if a lewd spectacle is happening on the streets!” she remarked, alluding to a viral video featuring a man engaged in indecent behavior on a highway, a connection the BJP has denied.
Describing the BJP as "very clever" and the opposition as "unaware" in the opinion of the ruling party, Mamata Banerjee asserted that the timing of such politically charged declarations indicated the BJP's desperation to shift focus. “Operation Sindoor was merely a political gimmick. All opposition parties are united in their outreach to the world, and amidst that, political Holi is being played,” she noted. Her statements came shortly after Prime Minister Modi described the TMC administration as embodying “cruelty and indifference” in light of recent violence in Murshidabad and Malda. He accused the state government of obstructing central welfare initiatives and prioritizing politics over development.
Prime Minister Modi referred to nirmamta, a term that cleverly incorporates Mamata Banerjee's name and translates to cruelty in Hindi, to structure his criticism. Shortly following the Prime Minister's remarks, Mamata Banerjee responded to his claims and defended herself. Additionally, her political party, the Trinamool Congress, shared a cartoon of PM Modi accompanied by the caption "PM Modi after Didi's Press conference."
