West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she called, politicising the recent floods and landslides in North Bengal. She described the Prime Minister’s remarks as “unfortunate and deeply concerning.”
In a post on X, Banerjee said the Prime Minister was blaming the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the state government without proper proof or investigation. “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 said on X.
PM Modi condemns attacks on BJP leaders in flood-hit West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned the attacks on BJP leaders in West Bengal’s flood-affected areas, calling the incidents “outright appalling.” He criticised the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for engaging in violence instead of disaster relief. In a post on X, he 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 absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state.”
He urged BJP workers to continue helping with relief efforts despite the attacks. “I wish the West Bengal Government and TMC were more focused on helping people rather than indulging in violence in such a challenging situation. I call upon BJP Karyakartas to continue working among the people and assist the ongoing rescue operations.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come days after an assault on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh during their visit to Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri district. The region is severely hit by floods and landslides. Murmu suffered facial injuries and was later treated in Siliguri. A video shared by Ghosh on showed the MP bleeding and claimed that both leaders were “kicked and punched” while their vehicle was vandalised by locals.
Attack on BJP leaders
BJP officials accused the TMC of orchestrating the attack. Amit Malviya, BJP’s West Bengal co-incharge, wrote on X: “Murmu was attacked by TMC goons while on his way to Nagrakata to help with relief and rescue efforts after devastating rains, floods, and landslides. While Mamata Banerjee dances at her Carnival, the TMC and state administration are missing in action. Those actually helping the people are being attacked for doing relief work.”
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also alleged that the assault happened “in the presence of the Mamata-police” and criticised the Chief Minister for celebrating on the Carnival stage while North Bengal dealt with devastation.
In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused PM Modi of politicising a natural disaster and breaching the “constitutional ethos.” She said BJP leaders had visited the flood-hit areas with a large convoy and central security cover, without informing local police or administration. “I urge the Prime Minister: listen to the elected state government, not just your party colleagues. You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of the BJP. Your responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building.”
“The incident occurred in a constituency where the people themselves have elected a BJP MLA. Yet the Prime Minister sees no contradiction in painting the incident as a reflection of TMC’s so-called ‘strongmanship’.” She added that the BJP’s attempts to present a North Bengal vs South Bengal narrative ahead of elections were “unbecoming of the highest office in the land” and added that Bengal is “one — emotionally, culturally, and politically.”
Earlier, Chief Minister Banerjee visited Nagrakata and other affected zones, announcing an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for families of those who died and a home guard job for one member from each bereaved family.