Kolkata/Siliguri, Oct 6:
A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the Centre and the West Bengal government after two BJP leaders were assaulted while visiting flood-stricken regions in north Bengal. The incident, which occurred amid devastating floods and landslides that have claimed several lives, quickly escalated into a war of words between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
According to reports, BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were attacked by a mob in Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata as they attempted to offer relief to victims of the ongoing disaster. Both leaders sustained injuries during the incident, with disturbing videos surfacing of Murmu bleeding from his face and head.
Prime Minister Modi wasted no time in condemning the attack, taking to social media to describe the event as “outright appalling” and calling attention to what he called the “absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state.” He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and urged the West Bengal government to focus on helping people rather than “indulging in violence in such a challenging situation.” The Prime Minister also called upon BJP workers to continue assisting in rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to issue a forceful rebuttal. In a late-night statement, Banerjee accused Prime Minister Modi of politicising a natural disaster, arguing that his remarks were made without proper investigation or verified evidence. “It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper inquiry, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides,” she wrote. Banerjee further asserted, “The PM has blamed the TMC and the West Bengal Government outright without a shred of verified evidence, legal inquiry, or administrative report. In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability — not a tweet from a political pulpit.” She insisted that the real focus should remain on relief and rehabilitation for those affected.
Meanwhile, the incident amplified political tensions in the state, with both parties trading barbs and accusations. Local BJP leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, condemned the “brutal assault” and called for immediate action. TMC leaders, for their part, questioned the intent of the BJP leaders’ visit, noting that they entered relief zones with large convoys and central security personnel, allegedly without prior notification to local authorities.
The situation remains tense as rescue efforts continue in flood-hit areas, and both state and central administrations face criticism over their handling of both the disaster and the political fallout.
