PTI, KOLKATA, JUNE 10, 2025 : The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution commending the Indian armed forces for their precision strikes on terror hubs across the western border, even as the proceedings were marred by a stormy political showdown between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Opposition BJP.
The resolution, which hailed the armed forces for their “unwavering courage in safeguarding the nation’s security,” avoided any mention of the term ‘Operation Sindoor’, the name assigned to the May 7 precision strikes in parts of Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The omission triggered protests and fiery exchanges across party lines.
The resolution was moved by West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee. Chaos erupted in the House after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre over the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. “The attack exposes the Centre’s failure to protect our citizens. While our jawans showed unmatched bravery, what was the Centre doing about the recurring security breaches?” she questioned, prompting vociferous protests from BJP MLAs.
Calling the attack a result of the “total failure and callousness” of the Union government, Mamata questioned the absence of security forces at the site of the terror strike that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. She asked: “Why were no security forces or police personnel present at the spot of the terror attack?”
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari led BJP legislators in shouting slogans, accusing Mamata of politicizing a national tragedy. “Why is there an objection to the word ‘Sindoor’ in the proposal? Why is the name missing?” Adhikari asked, alleging a deliberate attempt to undermine the operation’s significance.
Trinamool MLA Shiuli Saha countered: “Does everyone wear sindoor?” To which Adhikari retorted: “Yes, those who don’t wear sindoor are Maoists. They support China. Those who don’t believe in religion don’t wear it.” BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul joined the fray, demanding clarity on the Pulwama incident and questioning the CM’s alleged silence during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. “Why didn’t Mamata Banerjee urge Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to retaliate after 26/11?” she questioned.
Responding sharply, Mamata said: “Are you talking politics or fashion?” referring to Paul’s former career in fashion. “The BJP is incompetent. A shame to the country. Is he the Leader of the Opposition (Suvendu)? What a disgrace,” she added.
The Chief Minister maintained that Bengal was the first state to bring a resolution in honour of the armed forces. Amidst the ruckus, Mamata continued her attack on the Centre, raising questions about security lapses, diplomatic failures, and the recent appointment of Pakistan as the Vice-Chair of the UN’s anti-terror committee.
“Pakistan has become the vice-chair of the UN’s anti-terror committee. How? Were we lacking in diplomatic relations?” she asked, while calling External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar “a good person, a capable bureaucrat.” Taking a dig at the BJP, she said: “You are teaching me Hinduism? I believe in the Hinduism of Ramakrishna and Gandhi, not your fake version.”
Mamata accused the BJP of disrespecting women and questioned why PM Modi had not visited the site of the Pahalgam attack. In a final jab, the Chief Minister referred to reports of Pakistani spies being arrested from Gujarat, the home state of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “How did information from Modi-Shah’s state reach Pakistan?” she asked.
