"PM doesn’t apply sindoor to his wife, but names operations after it": CM Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday launched a direct personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his use of the term “Operation Sindoor”. Speaking at a public event, Banerjee asked, “Why doesn’t the Prime Minister apply sindoor to his wife, yet names an operation after it?” Her statement comes in the backdrop of political discourse around the Union Government’s handling of national security matters and the opposition's growing criticism of symbolism in governance.

Mamata Banerjee alleged that the name “Operation Sindoor” was politically motivated. She said, “Operation Sindoor naam rajneetik roop se diya gaya hai (The name Operation Sindoor has been given for political reasons).” She also claimed that the Centre was attempting to portray military or security actions in a religious and emotional light. The Chief Minister questioned the intent behind associating a sacred cultural symbol like sindoor with administrative or military decisions.

She further added that “Sindoor is not for sale; it stands for the dignity of mothers and sisters.” In the same address, Banerjee claimed that vehicles in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were being used to show inappropriate content, saying, “UP aur MP mein gaadiyon mein blue film chal rahi hai (Blue films are being played in vehicles in UP and MP).” These statements were made as part of a broader criticism of the BJP’s approach to culture, governance, and its treatment of women’s issues.

Banerjee also made several other allegations during her speech, including BJP's role in violence in Murshidabad and Malda, and the alleged deployment of outsiders from Assam to Alipurduar. She accused the BJP of equating Bengal with terrorism and disrespecting the state. Her remarks come ahead of ongoing political tensions, where opposition leaders have raised concerns about the government’s messaging and campaign strategies.