Amit Shah's Fierce Critique of Mamata Banerjee: A Call to Action for 2026 Elections

Amit Shah's Strong Words Against West Bengal's Chief Minister
Kolkata: On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of compromising national interests by opposing Operation Sindoor and the Waqf Amendment Bill to gain favor with Muslim voters. He labeled the recent riots in Murshidabad as 'state-sponsored'.
Speaking to party members in Kolkata, Shah urged them to work towards removing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from power in the upcoming 2026 assembly elections.
"Mamata Banerjee's time as Chief Minister will conclude in 2026. The BJP is determined to dismantle the TMC government in the next elections. By opposing Operation Sindoor, she is disrespecting the mothers and sisters of our nation. This opposition not only undermines the military operation but also jeopardizes the lives of countless women," Shah stated.
He emphasized his visit to Bengal was to connect with women and explain the significance of sindoor (vermilion) to those against Operation Sindoor. Shah asserted that the women of Bengal would hold Banerjee accountable in 2026 for her stance against the military action, which was a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of several tourists, including those from Bengal.
Banerjee had previously accused the central government of politicizing Operation Sindoor for electoral advantage.
In response, Shah remarked, "During Mamata didi's previous tenures as a minister, no decisive actions were taken against terror attacks. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented strong measures against terrorism, which seems to trouble Mamata didi."
He further accused Banerjee of 'stooping low' for the sake of her vote bank.
"Pakistan-backed terrorists have murdered our innocent citizens in front of their families after inquiring about their religion. Operation Sindoor was executed to retaliate against these terrorists. We targeted their headquarters in Pakistan. Yet, Mamata didi expressed sorrow over the demise of these terrorists and issued a politically charged statement against Operation Sindoor," he claimed.
Shah asserted that the central government had conducted a 'deep strike' 100 kilometers into Pakistan, successfully neutralizing numerous terrorists, which he believes Mamata Banerjee opposes, disregarding the sentiments of Indian women.
He pointed out that when tourists from Bengal were killed in the Pahalgam attack, Banerjee remained silent, yet she now opposes Operation Sindoor.
Shah also addressed the violence in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, alleging it was 'state-sponsored'. He claimed that a TMC minister incited the violence, leading to injustices against Hindus. He criticized Banerjee's government for failing to protect Hindus during the riots.
"If BSF personnel had been deployed earlier, Hindus would have been safeguarded. It was only after BJP workers sought intervention from the high court that the BSF was finally dispatched," Shah stated.
Continuing his critique of Banerjee's governance, Shah accused her of transforming Bengal into a hub of infiltration, corruption, and violence against women.
"Mamata Banerjee is opposing the Waqf Amendment Act purely for appeasement politics. What is wrong with the Waqf Act? Should Bengal's land be sacrificed for it? This Act is essential to eradicate corruption in Waqf properties," he argued.
Shah also accused the TMC of facilitating illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
"The upcoming Bengal elections will not only shape the state's future but are also crucial for national security. Mamata Banerjee has left Bengal's borders open to infiltrators from Bangladesh. Only a BJP government can put an end to this," he claimed.
He criticized Banerjee for withholding land necessary for constructing a fence along the India-Bangladesh border, which he believes would effectively reduce infiltration.
Shah also addressed the teachers' recruitment scam, stating, "Youth jobs are being sold in Kolkata's markets. The amount of money seized from TMC leaders' homes is so vast that even counting machines have become exhausted."
He accused Banerjee of prioritizing her nephew's political ambitions over the nation's interests.
Reflecting on the BJP's growth in Bengal, Shah noted, "In the 2021 assembly elections, we secured 77 seats. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP led in 97 assembly segments and garnered over 40 percent of the votes in 143 seats."
He concluded by suggesting that without resorting to violence, even Mamata Didi would struggle to retain her electoral deposits.