Mamata Banerjee Launches Scathing Attack on PM Modi at Kolkata's Major Eid Congregation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a fiery political address during Kolkata's largest Eid congregation on Red Road, directly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with strong accusations. In a six-minute speech on Saturday, Banerjee labeled the Prime Minister as "the biggest infiltrator" who adopts different personas internationally and domestically.
Foreign Policy Versus Domestic Narrative Criticized
Banerjee specifically criticized Modi's approach to international relations compared to his domestic political rhetoric. "He goes to Saudi Arabia and shakes hands there. I respect all countries but I am proud of my own," she stated. "You seem to forget everything when you shake hands abroad but, when you return to India, the Hindu-Muslim narrative begins again."
The Chief Minister connected these remarks to the ongoing controversy surrounding voter roll deletions under the Summary Revision (SIR) process. She revealed that her administration has approached both the Calcutta High Court and Supreme Court regarding these deletions, expressing hope that citizens' voting rights would be protected.
Bengal's Social Harmony Defended
Positioning West Bengal as a model of religious coexistence, Banerjee emphasized: "Bengal believes in unity. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians - everyone lives together here. We will not allow anyone to break this social fabric." She pledged to stand by all Bengal residents regardless of religion, caste, or creed, describing them as family.
Allegations of BJP Administrative Control
The Trinamool Congress leader made serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming they have established "undeclared President's rule" in West Bengal ahead of the April 23 and 29 assembly elections. "You have captured our administration... they have removed everyone and plan to place BJP functionaries in these positions," she accused.
Banerjee characterized the BJP as "a party of thieves, robbers, goons, and gaddars (traitors)," and referenced the alleged betrayal of Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir, suggesting attempts to split votes with BJP support. She concluded with motivational words: "Jo darte hain, woh marte hain. Jo ladte hain, woh kamyab hote hain (Those who fear, die. Those who fight, succeed)."
Unity Message Reinforced by Party Leadership
Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee echoed the Chief Minister's unity theme, urging different communities to celebrate each other's festivals together. The political gathering at the significant Eid congregation served as both a religious celebration and a platform for pre-election political messaging, highlighting the increasingly tense political atmosphere in West Bengal as election dates approach.
