Mamata Banerjee Taunts Modi Over “Parmatma” Remark, Questions His Campaign Tactics
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/29th May 2024
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, known for her sharp political jibes, recently took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his recent assertion that he was sent by “Parmatma” (God) for a purpose. Banerjee suggested that if Modi considers himself divine, a temple should be built for him where he can sit and stop inciting riots. “We will build a temple for him and worship him there. And if he wishes, we will also offer him dhokla,” she said at a rally in Kolkata.
Banerjee continued her taunts by contrasting Modi with previous Prime Ministers she has worked with, including Manmohan Singh, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, and Deve Gowda. She remarked, “I have never seen anyone like him; such a Prime Minister is not needed.”
In an interview last week, Modi stated that he believes God has chosen him for a specific purpose, and he will continue his duty until that purpose is fulfilled. “This is why I have completely dedicated myself to God,” he told ANI.
Responding to Modi’s statement, Rajya Sabha MP and RJD leader Manoj Jha, whose party is part of the Opposition INDIA bloc, suggested that such declarations would be viewed as concerning by one’s family, implying that Modi’s remarks reflect a loss of mental balance. “No big leader in the world says such things. When despair takes over your mental balance, people say such things,” Jha commented at a press conference in Patna.
Banerjee also objected to Modi being addressed by his official title, Prime Minister, in BJP campaign advertisements. She argued that while Modi has every right to campaign, it is inappropriate for him to be referred to as PM in campaign materials. “Modiji has every right to campaign, but I am surprised to see him being referred to as the PM in his party’s campaign advertisements,” she said.
Referring to Modi as the “caretaker PM,” Banerjee expressed confidence that the BJP would not secure a third term and that the Opposition INDIA bloc would form the next government at the Centre. She accused the BJP of creating communal rifts in West Bengal to garner votes. “I love people of all communities, I love Marwaris, Biharis, and others who together make up the beautiful mosaic of West Bengal. Please don’t fall for any communal rift trap of the BJP,” she said, accusing the party of playing a “dangerous game.”
Banerjee’s sharp rhetoric highlights the escalating political tensions as India approaches the next general election. Her criticisms of Modi’s self-proclaimed divine mission and the BJP’s campaign strategies underscore the deepening divide between the ruling party and the opposition. As the political landscape heats up, such exchanges are likely to become more frequent and intense.
In conclusion, Mamata Banerjee’s recent comments reflect her fierce opposition to Modi and the BJP, questioning both his self-perception and the party’s campaign tactics. Her remarks also underline her commitment to preserving communal harmony in West Bengal and her confidence in the Opposition’s chances in the upcoming elections. As the election approaches, the political discourse is expected to become even more charged, with leaders like Banerjee playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative.
