Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday went personal in attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government from a rally in the Alipurduar district.

In presence of Modi, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of State and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sukanta Majumdar vowed for Operation Bengal in the manner of Operation Sindoor, giving a call for  a political change in the 2026 assembly elections.

Tearing apart the Prime Minister, Mamata said, "The name Operation Sindoor was given for political reasons. But I won't comment on that. Modi-ji has come at this time for political gains when MPs of other parties including Opposition are speaking as India's representative in other countries. The PM is giving a political colour and trying to make this as an election campaign.

"What he said today has shocked us. It is very saddening to hear the PM (saying this) when our Opposition team is representing the country in the world. They are taking bold decisions to protect the country's and national interest. We will always protect our country because it is our motherland."

"But is this the time for Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, (to say these?) and in his presence, his leaders are saying they will do Operation Bengal like Operation Sindoor. I challenge them. If they have the guts, you go for elections tomorrow. We are ready and Bengal is ready. Please remember, timing is a factor."

She added, "Though I won't comment on Operation Sindoor, it should be remembered that every woman has respect. Women take sindoor from their husbands but PM Modi is saying just like... The Prime Minister is not everyone's husband. Why are you (PM) not giving sindoor (vermillion in English) to your Mrs. first? Sorry to say. I should not go into all these matters but we are compelled to open our mouths."

Mamata, who heads the ruling TMC, has also questioned the Prime Minister why the terrorists, who had actually gunned down 26 people in Pahalgam on April 22, are yet not arrested.

"You claim to be such a big leader but bow down before America in a second!...," the Chief Minister added during a press conference at her office Nabanna.

'Operation Sindoor is our firm answer to terrorism'

In his first visit to West Bengal since the Indian Armed Forces conducted Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Modi said he could feel the "outrage" among the people of the state after 26 people were killed at Baisaran Valley.

The Prime Minister boasted of Operation Sindoor which he claimed as India's "firm answer" to terrorism, which is harboured by Pakistan since its inception in 1947.

He said, "Now that I am standing on the sacred land of Sindoor Khela, it is only right that we speak about a new resolve against terrorism — Operation Sindoor.

"On April 22, the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam shook the nation. The pain and anger felt across West Bengal were deeply understood. I could feel your outrage. The terrorists dared to wipe off the sindoor from the foreheads of our sisters. But our brave soldiers made them realise the power of that sindoor."

"Pakistan, the country that nurtures terrorism, has nothing positive to offer to the world. Since its very inception, it has been a breeding ground for terror and violence. But India has changed. We no longer tolerate such cowardly acts. And Operation Sindoor is our firm answer," the supreme leader of the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) added.

'Murshidabad, Malda incidents show TMC's nirmamta'

Categorising various fronts in which he feels the state is suffering, Modi said, "West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. The first is the widespread violence and lawlessness that are tearing apart the fabric of society. The second is the growing sense of insecurity among mothers and sisters, compounded by the horrific crimes being committed against them.

"The third is the deepening despair among the youth, driven by soaring unemployment and a lack of opportunities. The fourth is the pervasive corruption, which continues to erode public trust in the system. The fifth crisis stems from the self-serving politics of the ruling party, which is stripping the poor of their rightful entitlements. Incidents in Murshidabad and Malda are stark examples of the TMC government's cruelty and indifference to the people's suffering."

Countering the Prime Minister, Mamata said at the press conference, "The entire violence was created by the BJP.. I have all the proof. I can provide the proof if anyone asks for them."