Prime Minister Narendra Modi was criticised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "politicising" the recent floods and landslides in North Bengal, describing his comments as a political low point.
She urged all parties to put relief and recovery efforts ahead of political squabbles, saying the crisis was not the time for partisan chest thumping.She stated in a post on X: "Yes, we all categorically oppose violence. But partisan chest-thumping is not appropriate at this time. This is a time for healing and assistance.
She reminded PM Modi that he is the prime minister of India, not just the BJP, and described his comments as "unfortunate and deeply concerning." It is his duty to construct the nation, not the narrative.
Banerjee further charged that the prime minister blamed the West Bengal administration and the TMC without conducting a thorough inquiry or providing verified facts.
"The Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, which is regrettable and extremely concerning," she wrote, adding that residents in North Bengal are still dealing with the impact of severe floods and landslides.
This follows reports that Malda North MP Khagen Murmu and BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked in Nagrakata, North Bengal, while delivering aid supplies.
In his response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Modi criticised the West Bengal administration and the TMC for the state's law and order condition.
Banerjee emphasised that BJP officials traveled to the impacted districts with a sizeable convoy of automobiles and central security forces without alerting local authorities, despite the fact that the state government and police were fully involved in relief and rescue efforts.
