West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "politicising" the North Bengal floods and landslides, declaring his remarks to be “political low.”
In an X post, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides.” She also added, “Yes, we all condemn violence, unequivocally. But this is not the time for partisan chest-thumping. This is a time to help and heal.” She urged Modi stating, “Listen to the elected state government, not just your party colleagues. You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of BJP. Your responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building.”
PM Modi denounced attacks on BJP leaders
The Chief Minister’s remarks came after PM Modi denounced attacks on BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh and Malda North MP Khagen Murmu, who were allegedly assaulted while distributing relief materials in Nagrakata, North Bengal. Earlier on a X post, Modi wrote, “The manner in which our Party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the pathetic law and order situation in the state.”
State action in rescue
Banerjee, nevertheless, brushed aside the charges, alleging that the Prime Minister had made "sweeping and unsubstantiated generalisations" without verified evidence or thorough inquiry. She asserted that the state administration and police were completely involved in rescue and relief work, while BJP leaders moved into affected areas with huge convoy and central security personnel without taking local authorities into confidence. " How can the state administration, local police or the TMC be blamed for the incident?" she asked.
Bengal CM accuses BJP of political polarization ahead of elections
She further accused BJP of attempting to polarise the people of North and South Bengal ahead of the elections.” Referring to Modi’s visit to Manipur she said, “Coming from a Prime Minister who visited Manipur only 964 days after it was engulfed in ethnic violence, the sudden concern for Bengal appears less like empathy and more like opportunistic political theatre.”
Stressing the importance of standing together, Banerjee appealed, “At this critical hour, let us not deepen divides. Let us stand united beyond party lines, to serve the people who need us the most. Let’s leave politics for another day.”
While floodwaters started receding in North Bengal on Monday, eight more bodies were recovered and the death toll rose to 36. The Chief Minister after touring the area, declared a compensation of ₹5 lakh for every family of the victims.