Kolkata Politics Heats Up as Assembly Resolves to Praise Armed Forces Amidst Tensions
In a significant political drama, the West Bengal Assembly, on Tuesday, unanimously passed a resolution to commend the Indian armed forces for their bravery in recent precision strikes aimed at terror hubs along the country’s western borders. However, the proceedings were overshadowed by a fierce confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The absence of the term ‘Operation Sindoor’ from the resolution, which refers to the May 7 operations in parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), incited protests and heated exchanges across party lines.
The resolution was moved by West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee amidst escalating tensions, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took the opportunity to launch a scathing critique of the BJP-led central government, particularly in light of the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals. “The attack laid bare the Centre’s failure to protect our citizens. While our jawans exhibited unmatched valor, I ask, what was the Centre doing during these recurring breaches?” Banerjee questioned, igniting further outbursts from BJP legislators.
The animosity between the two parties boiled over during the assembly’s proceedings, showcasing the ongoing struggle for political dominance in West Bengal. The BJP’s Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, spearheaded the protests, demanding to know why the term ‘Sindoor’ was omitted from the resolution, alleging that this was a deliberate effort to undermine the operation’s significance.
As the political spat intensified, the assembly became a hub of chaos. Adhikari’s remarks prompted fiery retorts from TMC MLAs, with Shiuli Saha notably chiming in, “Does everyone wear sindoor?” to which Adhikari provocatively replied, “Yes, those who don’t wear sindoor are Maoists. They support China. Those who don’t believe in religion don’t wear it.” Such remarks further fueled a politically charged atmosphere in the assembly, underscoring the deep-rooted ideological divides between the two factions.
The ideological clash took another turn as BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul questioned Banerjee’s alleged silence during previous terrorist attacks, including the infamous 26/11 Mumbai attacks. She demanded clarity on why Banerjee did not urge then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to respond to the terror assault. To this, Banerjee retorted, “Are you talking politics or fashion?” referring to Paul’s prior career in the fashion industry, further highlighting the personal animosities adding fuel to the political fire.
The assembly session became increasingly unruly, with accusations and counter-accusations flying across the floor. Adhikari insisted on the inclusion of terms like ‘targeted killing’ and ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the resolution, arguing that it was essential to acknowledge the military’s operations accurately. Speaker Biman Banerjee responded by reminding the opposition that it was within their rights to propose amendments, a suggestion that only enraged the BJP further.
Amidst the turmoil, Chief Minister Banerjee maintained her position, emphasizing West Bengal’s role as the first state to honor the armed forces with such a resolution. She pivoted the conversation towards the broader context of security and diplomatic failures at the national level, particularly criticizing the recent appointment of Pakistan as the vice-chair of the UN anti-terror committee. “How did we reach this state of affairs?” she questioned, reinforcing her stance against the central government’s foreign policy.
The confrontational atmosphere culminated as Banerjee directed criticism towards the BJP’s approach to Hinduism, stating, “You are teaching me Hinduism? I believe in the Hinduism of Ramakrishna and Gandhi, not your distorted version.” She further retaliated against BJP leaders for what she called a lack of respect for women, questioning Prime Minister Modi’s absence at the attack site in Pahalgam.
In a pointed exchange, Banerjee remarked on the BJP’s frequent promotion of sindoor, stating, “You just roam around promoting sindoor. We respect sindoor. You don’t respect women.” The heightened tensions culminated in chants of “Modi-Modi” from BJP members, illustrating the contentious political atmosphere within the assembly.
As the assembly session progressed, Banerjee’s narrative shifted towards accountability regarding national security. She posed critical questions about police and intelligence failures that allowed terrorists to infiltrate the state, challenging the competency of the government to provide security.
In one last rhetorical jab, Banerjee alluded to reports of Pakistani spies being apprehended in Gujarat, the home state of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “How did information from Modi-Shah’s state reach Pakistan?” her question hung in the air, exemplifying her strategy to link local incompetence with national security issues.
Ultimately, Speaker Biman Banerjee remarked on the robust engagement from assembly members, confirming that a total of seventeen members contributed to the discussions surrounding the resolution. “I am proud that this proposal was passed. The West Bengal Assembly is the first to pass a resolution lauding the valor of our armed forces,” she concluded.
As per the report by[NDTV](https://www.ndtv.com), the ongoing rivalry between the TMC and BJP continues to shape the political landscape of West Bengal, creating a charged environment where every assembly session becomes a battleground for ideologies and political supremacy.
This political showdown exemplifies the deep fractures within India’s political fabric, raising important questions about governance, responsibility, and the essence of leadership in times of crisis.
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