On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a verbal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to Pakistan’s recent threat to attack Kolkata, he questioned why the Prime Minister was silent on this serious issue. Mamata said the Prime Minister—who targets Bengal during election rallies—is not uttering a single word on this sensitive issue of national security.
Mamata cornered the central government in the election rally
Addressing an election rally in Nadia district, the Trinamool Congress chief said, “You target Bengal during elections, yet when Pakistan talks about attacking Bengal, not a single word comes out of your mouth. In such circumstances, you should resign from your post.” Furthermore, referring to the Prime Minister’s rally in Cooch Behar on Sunday, Mamata Banerjee asked why he did not mention this threat during that event.
People of Bengal will not tolerate such threats
Taking a tough stance, Mamata Banerjee asserted, “Why did the Prime Minister not announce in his rally that we will take strong action against Pakistan? Just as we do not tolerate any challenge against the nation, we will not tolerate any threat against Kolkata or Bengal silently.”
It is important to note that this controversy arose after a statement by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, in which he had claimed that in the event of any ‘adventure’ by India, Islamabad has the capability to strike as far as ‘Kolkata’. Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, Asif warned India that any future military action by it would be met with a retaliatory strike on ‘Kolkata’.
Describing these threats as a matter of national security, Mamata Banerjee has raised serious questions about the diplomatic strategy and response of the central government. He made it clear that the people of Bengal are alert about their security and will give their verdict on the Centre’s ‘indifference’ in the coming elections.