The political atmosphere in West Bengal is currently charged, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locked in a fierce battle over the narrative surrounding "Operation Sindoor," a military strike conducted by India on May 7, 2025, targeting terror bases in Pakistan. This operation, a response to the Pahalgam attack on April 22 that resulted in the death of 26 civilians, has become a focal point in the lead-up to the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her TMC are actively attempting to counter the BJP's efforts to capitalize on the nationalistic sentiment generated by Operation Sindoor. The TMC accuses the BJP of politicizing the operation for electoral gains, while simultaneously highlighting what they perceive as the Central Government's security failures. The BJP, on the other hand, is leveraging the operation to bolster its image as a strong, decisive party committed to national security. They have organized "Tiranga Yatras" and other events to fuel nationalistic fervor across West Bengal.
At a rally in Kolkata on June 1, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Banerjee of opposing Operation Sindoor to appease her "Muslim vote bank," further intensifying the political polarization. He also linked her to the recent Murshidabad riots, a move the TMC vehemently denies.
Mamata Banerjee, while expressing support for the armed forces, has criticized the BJP for allegedly exploiting the "Sindoor" name to capitalize on Hindu sentiments ahead of the upcoming elections. She has questioned the timing and intent behind naming the operation "Sindoor," suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to invoke Hindu cultural sensitivities for political advantage. The TMC's strategy involves reaffirming its support for national security without giving credit to the BJP-led Central Government. Abhishek Banerjee, a prominent TMC leader, participated in a multi-party delegation to brief international communities on India's anti-terror stance, and a TMC team visited affected families in Srinagar and Poonch.
Adding fuel to the fire, TMC MLA Narendranath Chakraborty sparked controversy by calling Operation Sindoor a "staged drama," although he later claimed his words were misinterpreted. This incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the potential for misinterpretations to escalate political tensions.
The BJP is attempting to frame the upcoming election as a choice between national security and "minority appeasement," a strategy that intensifies communal divisions. Mamata Banerjee has responded by emphasizing her dedication to counter-terrorism efforts and accusing the BJP of disrespecting Bengali women by politicizing the sacred symbol of sindoor. The BJP's strategy is to consolidate Hindu votes by portraying the TMC as pro-minority and anti-national. Mamata Banerjee, in response, accuses the BJP of being ignorant of Bengali traditions and attempts to position herself as a protector of Bengali culture.
The political maneuvering surrounding Operation Sindoor highlights the complex interplay of national security, cultural identity, and electoral strategy in West Bengal. With the 2026 elections approaching, both the TMC and the BJP are vying to shape the narrative and gain political mileage from this sensitive issue. The outcome of this battle will likely have significant implications for the future of West Bengal's political landscape.
