Kolkata, October 8, 2025 – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly politicizing the recent floods and landslides in North Bengal. The Chief Minister's sharp rebuke comes in response to PM Modi's condemnation of an attack on BJP leaders visiting flood-affected areas, with Banerjee accusing him of blaming the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the West Bengal government without proper investigation.
Banerjee voiced her concerns via a post on X, stating that it was "unfortunate and deeply concerning" that the Prime Minister chose to politicize a natural disaster while the state grapples with its aftermath. She highlighted that the local administration and police are fully engaged in relief and rescue operations. She questioned the Prime Minister's motives, especially the timing of his statement.
The controversy arose after BJP leaders, including MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh, were reportedly attacked during their visit to flood-affected regions in North Bengal. PM Modi condemned the attack, blaming the TMC and the state government for the incident, which further fueled the political fire.
Banerjee urged PM Modi to act as the Prime Minister of India, not just of the BJP, and to listen to the elected state government. "You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of BJP," she stated, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation during a crisis. She appealed to set aside political divides and prioritize serving the people in need. "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," she urged.
Banerjee also criticized the central government for its alleged lack of response regarding river dredging and water discharge from barrages. She asserted that politics must not take precedence over people's lives during such crises, emphasizing that the state government is providing full support to those affected.
Referring to PM Modi's delayed visit to Manipur amid ethnic violence, Banerjee questioned the sudden concern for Bengal, implying it was "more like opportunistic political theatre". She reminded the Prime Minister that his responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building.
"This is not just a political low; it is a breach of the constitutional ethos the Prime Minister has sworn to uphold," Banerjee declared, emphasizing that due process, not political statements, should determine culpability. "In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability — not a tweet from a political pulpit," she added.
