‘Shame’: BJP hits back for 'belittling armed forces' after Mamata calls Operation Sindoor political gimmick

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday slammed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly mocking Operation Sindoor by terming it a mere “business of sindoor.”

In a social media post on X, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused Mamata of choosing to belittle the valour and sacrifices made in defence of India’s security and honour.

"Shame! How low can political pettiness go? Mamata Banerjee has now dismissed Operation Sindoor as merely a “business of sindoor.” This is her true face—mocking sacrifice, patriotism, and the courage of our armed forces," Malviya said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has safeguarded India with unmatched dedication and resolve. Yet Mamata Banerjee, driven solely by vote-bank politics, chooses to belittle the valour and sacrifices made in defence of India’s security and honour. History will remember who stood with the nation—and who mocked its heroes," he added.


Earlier in the day, Mamata accused PM Modi of giving the name of 'Operation Sindoor' to the military action against Pakistan post Pahalgam terror attack to "cash in on it politically."

Reacting to the Prime Minister's speech in Alipurduar, Mamata said, "Once upon a time, he used to roam around calling himself ‘chaiwala’, next time he called himself a ‘chowkidar’ and now he talks about selling ‘sindoor’ ... Sindoor can't be sold this way. It is the honour and dignity of mothers.”

"The name was given by them. All the names are decided by the central government. The name ‘Operation Sindoor' was given to cash in on it politically. When the opposition leaders are shouting abroad for our country, a PM came here to play the politics of Holi in the name as part of his poll campaign. Is it decent? It doesn't show courtesy,” he added.

She also accused PM Modi and BJP of politicising national security and undermining the opposition amid the backdrop of 'Operation Sindoor' and the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

"What Modi ji said today, we are not only shocked but also very sad to hear this, when the Opposition is representing the country... In his presence, his minister said that they will do Operation Bengal, like Operation Sindoor," Mamata said.

“I challenge them, if they have guts, go into elections tomorrow. We are ready, and Bengal is ready to accept your challenge. But please remember, time is a factor. You must remember the time,” she added.

This came after PM Modi listed five major crises plaguing West Bengal under TMC rule - violence and lawlessness, insecurity among women, youth unemployment, rampant corruption, and what he described as "self-serving politics" robbing the poor of their entitlements.

"First is the crisis of violence and anarchy spreading in the society. Second is the unsafety of our mothers and sisters who are being subjected to heinous crimes. The third crisis is of the extreme despair and rampant unemployment spreading among the youth. The fourth crisis is of the continuously declining trust in the system. The fifth crisis is of the selfish politics of the ruling party, that steals the rights of the poor," he said.