TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Criticizes Pakistan's Threats Amid West Bengal Elections

As West Bengal gears up for elections, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee has launched a fierce attack on Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif's threats against Kolkata. Banerjee vowed that if the INDIA coalition comes to power, they would retaliate against such threats. He criticized the Indian government's silence on the matter, particularly targeting PM Modi and Home Minister Shah. Asif's comments have escalated political tensions, with Banerjee's remarks highlighting the ongoing conflict between the TMC and BJP. With voting scheduled for late April, the political landscape in West Bengal is heating up.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 09:56 IST

Political Tensions Rise in West Bengal

As the electoral atmosphere intensifies in West Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee, the General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), delivered a fiery speech on Monday, targeting both Pakistan and the central government. He referenced a recent threat from Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who suggested that Kolkata could be a target. Banerjee asserted that if the INDIA coalition comes to power, they would retaliate against enemies directly in their homes.

During a rally in Siliguri, Banerjee criticized the central government's lack of response to Asif's comments, which included a warning that Kolkata could be targeted in any future conflict between India and Pakistan.

Banerjee's Strong Remarks

Banerjee stated, "Just two days ago, Khawaja Asif claimed they would blow up Kolkata. Our Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defense Minister have remained silent. I have noted Asif's name on my list. The day Mamata Banerjee and the INDIA coalition form the government, we will confront them in their own homes."

Continuing his criticism, he pointed out that while Asif threatens Kolkata from Pakistan, PM Narendra Modi is busy campaigning in Cooch Behar, urging voters to remove TMC from power. He also targeted Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh for their silence regarding Asif's threats, saying, "Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are quiet. Shah often labels us as Bangladeshis and Pakistanis, yet when Pakistan threatens Kolkata, he becomes a mere spectator."

Pakistan's Warning on Kolkata

Banerjee's comments followed Asif's remarks over the weekend, where he indicated that any future conflict with India would not be confined to border areas. Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, he claimed that if India attempted a 'false flag' operation, Pakistan would escalate the situation to Kolkata.

Asif further suggested, without providing evidence, that India might use its own citizens or detained Pakistanis for such operations, intensifying his rhetoric by stating that the next phase of conflict would extend beyond a limited geographic area. He warned, "This time, the conflict will not be limited. We will invade their territory and attack them in their own homes."

India's Response and Political Clash

While India has not officially responded to Asif's recent statements, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh remarked that any misadventure from Pakistan would provoke an 'unprecedented and decisive' response.

Referring to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, which resulted in 26 fatalities, Singh emphasized that India's response had clarified its stance and that any further provocations would be dealt with firmly.

Following the Pahalgam attack, military tensions persisted between the two nations for four days. India initiated 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with missile and drone strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan employed artillery fire, drones, and missiles, leading to a ceasefire agreement on May 10 through negotiations.

Political Dynamics in West Bengal

Banerjee's remarks come amid heightened political activity in West Bengal, where the TMC has repeatedly criticized the central government's handling of national security issues. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the TMC of using aggressive language during its election campaigns.

Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the counting of votes set for May 4.