What is the Latest on the Bengal Landslides? Death Toll Reaches 36 with BJP's Morality Questions on Mamata Banerjee
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Synopsis
The devastating landslides and heavy rain in North Bengal have led to a rising death toll of 36. Amidst the ongoing tragedy, political tensions escalate as the BJP questions Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's integrity in light of recent events, challenging her response to the disaster and the handling of relief efforts.
Key Takeaways
- The landslides in North Bengal have resulted in a death toll of 36.
- Relief efforts are underway with improvements in weather conditions.
- Political tensions have escalated between the BJP and Trinamool Congress following the disaster.
- Criticism of the Chief Minister's response has been a focal point for opposition parties.
- Safety and humanitarian needs of the affected individuals are paramount.
Kolkata, Oct 7 (NationPress) The toll of lives lost due to severe rainfall and landslides in the hilly, Terai, and Dooars regions of North Bengal has tragically climbed to 36, according to reports from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.
As weather conditions have improved since Monday morning, significant advancements have been made in both relief and rescue efforts. Numerous individuals affected have been relocated to safer areas, and tourists have been evacuated from the impacted regions.
In the political arena, the BJP has raised concerns regarding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ethical standing to challenge the Prime Minister after his criticism of the West Bengal government and the Trinamool Congress, which came in the wake of an attack on a BJP Lok Sabha member and party legislator on Monday afternoon, allegedly perpetrated by ruling party supporters.
During an incident where BJP Lok Sabha member Khagen Murmu and the party’s chief whip in the Assembly, Shankar Ghosh, were attacked while delivering aid to disaster-affected areas, Murmu sustained severe injuries. That evening, the Prime Minister took to social media to assert that this incident underscored the insensitivity of the Trinamool Congress and the dreadful law and order situation in the state.
In response, Mamata Banerjee issued a counter-statement that accused the Prime Minister of politicizing the natural disaster in North Bengal, asserting that he sought to blame the Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government without any verified proof, legal inquiry, or administrative report.
Shortly thereafter, the BJP's Information Technology Cell Chief and West Bengal's central observer questioned whether Mamata Banerjee had the moral authority to impart lessons on ethics to the Prime Minister.
“It wasn’t the Prime Minister who politicized the disaster -- it was Mamata Banerjee who abandoned her responsibilities. Instead of spearheading relief operations, she was engaged in celebrations in Kolkata, while BJP MPs and MLAs were actively providing assistance to those affected,” Malviya asserted.
He further claimed that the attack on the BJP Lok Sabha member and legislators was orchestrated not by local residents but by the ruling party's thugs.
“The same Chief Minister who advocates for constitutional values presides over a regime where: opposition candidates face violence during elections, women suffer brutality in Sandeshkhali and Basirhat, police have turned into party enforcers, and relief is distributed based on party affiliation,” Malviya added.
Point of View
It is crucial for us to approach this situation from an unbiased standpoint. The loss of lives in North Bengal is a tragedy that transcends political affiliations. While questioning the leadership and accountability of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is valid, it is equally important to focus on the humanitarian needs of those affected by this disaster. Our reporting will remain focused on facts, ensuring we uphold our commitment to delivering trustworthy information.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the landslides in North Bengal?
The landslides in North Bengal were triggered by heavy rainfall in the region, exacerbating already vulnerable hill terrain.
How many people have been affected by the landslides?
As of now, the death toll has reached 36, with many more displaced and in need of assistance.
What is being done for relief efforts?
Relief operations have begun, with affected individuals being relocated to safer areas and tourists evacuated from the disaster-stricken regions.
What political issues have arisen from this disaster?
The BJP has criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her response to the disaster, raising questions about her moral authority in the face of such tragedies.
What actions has the Prime Minister taken regarding the situation?
The Prime Minister has publicly criticized the Trinamool Congress and the law and order situation in West Bengal, particularly following the attack on BJP members.
