Kolkata, 6 June (H.S.): A fresh political storm has erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Pandaveswar, Narendranath Chakraborty, made a controversial statement against 'Operation Sindoor', terming it a “war hysteria propagated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).” The MLA accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of exploiting the patriotic sentiments of citizens, especially women, for political gains.
In a video clip that has gone viral on social media, Chakraborty is heard saying, “The entire ‘Sindoor Khela’ initiated by BJP is nothing but a drama. Operation Sindoor is a political stunt by Prime Minister Modi to manipulate the emotions of patriots.”
The remarks have invited sharp criticism, particularly from the BJP. A leader from the BJP Minority Morcha has lodged an FIR against Chakraborty at the Kulti Police Station, accusing him of insulting the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. The complaint alleges that such comments embolden anti-national elements.
Leader of the Opposition and senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), claiming that Chakraborty’s links with Pakistan-backed forces should be thoroughly examined.
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TMC Distances Itself, Calls Remarks 'Personal Opinion'
In a swift response, senior TMC leader and West Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya clarified that Chakraborty’s views were personal and not endorsed by the party. “Our party supremo Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee have taken a firm stand against terrorism and strongly supported the armed forces during Operation Sindoor. The entire country stands united on this issue,” she stated.
Operation Sindoor was India's retaliatory strike on terror camps based in Pakistan, conducted in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack had claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh