West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central government, alleging that it was being “controlled” by US President Donald Trump. She also questioned the Centre over its failure to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the recent escalation with Islamabad, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing the TMC`s annual Martyrs` Day rally at Esplanade in Kolkata, Banerjee referenced 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 stated.
CM Banerjee`s comments appeared to be the reference to Trump`s recent controversial assertion that he had convinced India to agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan by threatening to cut off trade with both countries, PTI reported.
However, Indian officials had consistently denied any third-party involvement in the de-escalation.
Furthermore, government sources in New Delhi have maintained that the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt 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 previously claimed on May 10 that 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 questioned, in an apparent swipe at Prime Minister Modi.
Moreover, she also criticised 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 questioned.
Meanwhile, in a symbolic gesture, Banerjee welcomed onto the 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, according to PTI.
However, Adhikari`s wife was not present on stage, PTI reported.
She felicitated them with traditional `uttariyas` (stoles) and announced 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 Adhikari`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 stated that the additional assistance had been raised through contributions of Rs 1 from each TMC worker, underscoring the party`s “emotional solidarity” with the bereaved families.
(With inputs from PTI)