‘Political Holi’: Mamata Banerjee Slams PM Modi, Dares BJP for Early Bengal Polls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his sharp criticism of her government, accusing him of politicising national security for electoral gain and challenging him to a live television debate.
Banerjee’s fiery rebuttal followed Modi’s comments made in Alipurduar, where he accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of “cruelty and indifference” following recent violence in Murshidabad and Malda. Modi had likened the situation in Bengal to a potential “Operation Bengal”, drawing parallels to the Centre’s recent anti-terror action, “Operation Sindoor”.
Responding at a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee alleged that while opposition MPs are abroad defending India’s interests, the Prime Minister is “playing political Holi”.
“What PM Modi said today is shocking and unfortunate. While our MP Abhishek Banerjee is representing India internationally, PM comes to Bengal only to insult us. This isn’t ‘Operation Bengal’, it’s an attack on our pride,” Mamata said.
She accused the Centre of using “Operation Sindoor” as a political tool and asked why Modi would attack the opposition while they were abroad representing the country. “He is playing politics when we are working for the nation,” she said.
The Bengal Chief Minister issued a direct challenge to the Prime Minister: “Let’s have a live debate. Talk about Bengal, about India, about what the opposition is doing to save the Constitution.”
She further dared the BJP to call early elections in the state: “If they think they can do Operation Bengal, let them announce elections tomorrow. We are ready.”
Taking a swipe at Modi’s wordplay “nirmamta”—used to suggest cruelty and play on her name—Mamata said, “We respect everyone, but not at the cost of our self-respect. Modi has disrespected the women of Bengal.”
The Trinamool Congress also responded online, posting a caricature of PM Modi with the caption: “PM Modi after Didi’s press conference.” The party added, “Didi ne sach bol kar kaafi ‘Nir-mamata’ dikha di.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had addressed a public event in Bengal where he sharply criticized the TMC government for failing to maintain law and order. Referring to recent communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda, he accused the state government of “indifference to the suffering of the people” and blocking central welfare schemes.
The Prime Minister also coined the term “nirmamta” (cruelty), saying, “Bengal is suffering due to the cruelty of this government.”
Tensions have risen in Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections. The BJP has been targeting the TMC over law and order issues, especially after a Calcutta High Court-appointed panel blamed TMC leaders and inactive police in Murshidabad riots.
Meanwhile, opposition MPs including TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee and Congress’s Shashi Tharoor are part of a global outreach delegation defending India’s anti-terror strategy abroad.
