PM Modi Calls Bengal Attack ‘Appalling,’ Mamata Counters Fiercely
Tensions flare as PM Modi and Banerjee trade barbs.
A fierce political row erupted in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee exchanged sharp accusations following a violent attack on two BJP leaders in flood-ravaged north Bengal. The assault on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh in Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata, amid ongoing rescue efforts after deadly landslides and floods, has intensified the war of words between the Centre and the state.
The crisis began after torrential rains triggered landslides and floods, claiming 30 lives and leaving several missing. While visiting relief sites, Murmu and Ghosh were attacked by a mob, sustaining injuries. Modi condemned the incident on X, calling it “appalling” and slamming the TMC government for its “pathetic” law and order situation. “The TMC’s insensitivity is clear when BJP workers, including a sitting MP and MLA, are attacked for serving flood victims,” he wrote, urging his party workers to continue aiding rescue operations.
Banerjee hit back, accusing Modi of politicising the disaster. In a fiery X post, she called his remarks a “breach of constitutional ethos” and criticized him for making unverified allegations. “The PM’s tweet from a political pulpit undermines the dignity of his office. This is a time to help, not for partisan chest-thumping,” she said, urging Modi to prioritize nation-building over narrative-building.
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Urges Patience as Violence Erupts Amid North Bengal Floods
Videos shared by Ghosh showed a bloodied Murmu, with the BJP alleging the attackers were TMC supporters. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar claimed the assault happened in the presence of “Mamata-police.” The TMC, however, dismissed the accusations, with North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha attributing the incident to local frustration over BJP’s “photo-op politics” during a humanitarian crisis.
As rescue operations continue, the death toll rose to 30, with fears it could climb further. Banerjee blamed the Centre’s Damodar Valley Corporation for exacerbating the floods through “unrestricted” water releases, calling the disaster “man-made.” She announced Rs 5 lakh compensation and a home guard job for each victim’s family. Entire villages, tea estates, and infrastructure in Darjeeling, Mirik, and the Dooars have been devastated, with roads and bridges washed away.
Governor C V Ananda Bose, monitoring the situation from Darjeeling, expressed concern over the violence and called for restoring order. Amid the chaos, both sides continue to trade blame, with Banerjee appealing for unity and restraint to focus on relief efforts.
Also Read: Assam Pledges Urgent Aid for Bengal, Sikkim Landslide Crisis
