Kolkata, Oct 6 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of exploiting the recent natural disaster in North Bengal for political gain, following severe rainfall and landslides that impacted the region over the past few days.

“It is both unfortunate and alarming that the Prime Minister of India would choose to politicise a natural calamity without awaiting a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the residents of North Bengal are dealing with the consequences of catastrophic floods and landslides. While local authorities and police are focused on relief efforts, BJP leaders opted to visit the disaster-stricken areas in a significant convoy, shielded by central forces, without notifying local police or administration. How can the state administration, local law enforcement, or the TMC be held responsible for this incident?” questioned the Chief Minister.

Previously, PM Modi criticized the state government regarding an attack on a BJP Lok Sabha member and a party legislator that occurred earlier that day.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Prime Minister hastily blamed the Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government without any substantiated proof, legal investigation, or administrative report.

“This is not merely a political blunder; it represents a violation of the constitutional principles that the Prime Minister is obligated to uphold. In a democracy, the law must take precedence, and only due process can ascertain accountability—not a tweet from a political platform,” said the Chief Minister.

She pointed out that although the incident took place in a constituency where a BJP legislator was elected in the 2021 assembly elections, the Prime Minister made no effort to reconcile this with his portrayal of the incident as evidence of TMC’s alleged “strongmanship.”

“Such broad, unfounded generalizations are not only immature but also unbecoming of the highest office in the nation,” the Chief Minister added.

She remarked that considering this is from a Prime Minister who visited Manipur only 964 days after it suffered from ethnic violence, his sudden concern for Bengal appears less like genuine empathy and more like politically motivated theatrics.

“We all unequivocally condemn violence. However, this is not the moment for partisan boasting. This is a time for support and healing,” Mamata Banerjee emphasized.

She also accused the BJP of attempting to create a narrative of division between North and South Bengal with the aim of polarizing the electorate ahead of the Assembly elections next year.

“I implore the Prime Minister: heed the voices of the elected state government, not just your party members. You are the Prime Minister of India, not solely of the BJP. Your duty lies in nation-building, not in building narratives. During this critical time, let’s avoid deepening divisions. Let’s unite beyond party lines to assist those in need. Let’s postpone politics for another day,” the Chief Minister concluded.