Mamata Banerjee Targets PM Modi at Eid Event, Sparks Political Row Ahead of Bengal Polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an Eid gathering in Kolkata, accusing him of being the “biggest infiltrator” and intensifying the political battle ahead of the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Addressing a large crowd, Banerjee alleged that the central government was interfering in West Bengal’s internal matters and attempting to manipulate the electoral process. Her remarks come at a time when campaigning has reached a peak for the 2026 Assembly elections, making the political atmosphere increasingly charged.

A key issue raised by Banerjee was the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. She claimed that the revision exercise is being misused to remove genuine voters from the list, thereby influencing the outcome of the elections. According to her, such actions undermine democratic principles and could disenfranchise large sections of the population.

The Chief Minister also hit back at repeated accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding illegal infiltration into the state, particularly from neighboring Bangladesh. BJP leaders have often blamed her administration for allegedly allowing unauthorized migrants to settle in West Bengal. Rejecting these claims, Banerjee turned the argument on its head by accusing the central leadership of being the real “infiltrator” in Bengal’s political and administrative affairs.

Her strong remarks quickly triggered a backlash from BJP leaders, who condemned the statement as inappropriate and disrespectful to the office of the Prime Minister. Party representatives argued that such comments reflect political desperation and accused Banerjee of trying to divert attention from governance issues. Some leaders went further, stating that her remarks raise questions about her suitability for holding a constitutional position.

The exchange highlights the growing intensity of the political contest in West Bengal, where issues such as voter identity, citizenship, and demographic concerns have become central to the campaign narrative. Both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP are aggressively targeting each other, with rhetoric escalating as polling dates draw closer.

Political analysts view this confrontation as part of a broader strategy by both sides to consolidate their respective voter bases. While Banerjee aims to position herself as a defender of regional autonomy and democratic rights, the BJP continues to focus on national security and migration-related concerns.