Jalpaiguri, West Bengal – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clashed in a heated exchange on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing tension between their political parties. Modi accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of obstructing the work of central investigative agencies by supporting corrupt leaders and inciting attacks against them.
The confrontation arose amidst the National Investigation Agency (NIA) facing violence during an operation in Bhupatinagar, East Midnapore, related to a 2022 blast incident. This incident mirrored a previous attack on the Enforcement Directorate in connection to a corruption case involving a suspended TMC leader.
Addressing a rally in Jalpaiguri, Modi criticized the TMC, Left, and Congress for allegedly shielding corrupt individuals within their ranks. He condemned the attacks on central agencies in West Bengal, accusing the TMC of undermining the legal system and the Constitution.
In response, Banerjee insinuated that the NIA’s investigations could stoke communal tensions, particularly during the upcoming Ram Navami festival. She sarcastically suggested that the NIA should also probe minor incidents, questioning the agency’s motives in the state.
Banerjee further demanded transparency from the central government, calling for a public report on corruption investigations in Bengal. She criticized the delayed response to her government’s requests during emergencies, such as the recent storm in Jalpaiguri.
The exchange between Modi and Banerjee underscored the intensified political rivalry ahead of upcoming elections, with both leaders attempting to sway public opinion in their favor. The accusations and counter-accusations reflect the deep-seated animosity between the ruling party and the opposition in West Bengal.
As the political drama unfolds, the electorate is left to navigate a complex landscape of allegations and promises from competing parties vying for power. The clash between Modi and Banerjee sheds light on the high-stakes nature of politics in the region, where every move is scrutinized and every statement magnified in the lead-up to crucial elections.