Kolkata, Jul 21 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, alleging that it was being “controlled” by the US president and questioning its failure to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the recent escalation with Islamabad.
Addressing the TMC’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally at Esplanade here, Banerjee referred to the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’, during which India had struck multiple terror camps across the border.
“You are being controlled by the American President (Donald Trump), and you dare to lecture us? You (central government) follow his (US President) orders,” she said.
Banerjee’s comments appeared to be a reference to Trump’s controversial claim that he had persuaded India into a ceasefire with Pakistan by threatening to cut off trade with both countries.
Indian officials had denied any third-party involvement in the de-escalation.
Government sources in New Delhi have maintained the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all military actions on land, air and sea and that no third party was involved.
Mocking attempts by BJP leaders to connect with Bengali voters, she said, “You come to Bengal, speak in Bengali by watching a teleprompter, and think you can win our hearts? You couldn’t even take PoK, but you are dreaming of Bengal!” Banerjee had on May 10 claimed India had a “golden opportunity” to reclaim the territory during the recent military escalation but failed to act decisively.
“Those who arrest people for speaking Bengali are now reading two lines in Bengali from a teleprompter. What is the condition of this country?” she asked, in an apparent swipe at Modi.
She also hit out at the BJP over the deportation of illegal immigrants from the US in February.
“When America sent back illegal immigrants in shackles, where was the BJP? Why didn’t they raise their voice then?” Banerjee said.
In a symbolic gesture, Banerjee welcomed on stage the families of victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, including the parents of slain Bengali tourist Bitan Adhikari and the kin of martyr Jawan Jhantu Ali Sheikh from Tehatta.
However, Adhikari’s wife was not present at the stage.
She felicitated them with traditional ‘uttariyas’ and announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for each family.
Earlier, the state government had announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for each of the families of three Bengali tourists killed in the attack.
Bitan’s parents and wife are to receive Rs 5 lakh each, along with a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 for his parents.
The chief minister said the assistance had been raised through contributions of Re 1 from each TMC worker, underlining the party’s “emotional solidarity” with the bereaved families. PTI SUS PNT MNB
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