TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Credit: PTI Photo
Kolkata: Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, dubbing it “anti-national” for allegedly pursuing politics over Operation Sindoor, and questioned why the Centre had refrained from taking strong action to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Lok Sabha MP also predicted that the saffron party would be reduced to under 50 seats in the next Assembly elections from the 77 seats it had won in 2021.
Banerjee said, “We have visited 33 countries raising the issue, but how many have truly stood by us? Instead of showing resolve, the BJP indulges in cheap politics. Why can’t the Centre snatch away POK from Pakistan? What is stopping them from doing so?”
The TMC’s national general secretary, considered number 2 in the party, was part of the parliamentary delegations that had travelled to various countries to present India’s position in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism operation that drew international attention.
Banerjee’s delegation had departed for Japan on May 21. It also visited countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
Speaking at the launch of the expanded edition of 'Nishobdo Biplob', a compilation of development work in his Diamond Harbour constituency, Banerjee accused the BJP of abandoning national interest for political gains and failing to act decisively on sensitive issues like PoK.
“At a time when we were abroad voicing India’s stance on PoK, Prime Minister Modi was in Bengal doing petty politics,” he alleged, adding, “The BJP is the real anti-national force. Their leaders are anti-Bengal.”
Banerjee said the brutal killing of 26 people in Pahalgam during a terror attack on April 22 raised serious questions about internal security, but no one from the BJP had called for the resignations of Home Minister Amit Shah or Intelligence Bureau officials.
“Why is this silence? Where are those who once demanded the resignation of the Kolkata Police Commissioner after the RG Kar (hospital rape and murder) incident?” he asked.
The TMC leader alleged that Sikh citizens are being labelled as “Khalistanis” and dissenters are branded anti-national.
“The BJP dubs us as Bangladeshis because we speak in Bengali, and Sikhs as Khalistanis. This is their true nature,” he said while hitting out at the BJP as “divisive and communal”.
Referring to BJP’s pre-poll promises, he said, “They claim they will give Rs 3,000 if they come to power. I challenge them to give even Rs 1,500 in any BJP-ruled state. Here in Bengal, Didi’s (Mamata Banerjee's) government is giving Lakshmir Bhandar benefits to over 2.2 crore families.”
Highlighting the Diamond Harbour model, Banerjee said the updated Nishobdo Biplob book, now nearly 700 pages long, reflects the consistent development through MPLAD funds over 11 years from 2014 to 2025.
“Those who mock the model must read this book. Every day, we are doing work worth over Rs 1.5 crore. I challenge BJP MPs to a public debate — bring your report card, I will bring mine,” he said.