West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of her government. She challenged PM Modi to a live TV debate and dared the BJP to call early elections in West Bengal.

Mamata spoke against the PM’s use of the term “Operation Bengal”, saying the Union government was playing “political Holi” while opposition leaders worked to protect the country’s interests on the world stage.

“What PM Modi said today, we are not only shocked, but it is unfortunate to hear... The entire opposition is representing the country on the world stage; they have taken a bold step to protect the country's national interest. But is it the time for PM Modi and his leaders to say that they would do 'Operation Bengal' like they did 'Operation Sindoor'?” Mamata said.

She accused the Centre of using the codename “Operation Sindoor” only for political gain. Mamata also pointed out that Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee was abroad, meeting world leaders as part of a delegation.

“Today when our party MP is defending the country on the international stage, the PM comes to Bengal to defame our state,” she said. “Abhishek Banerjee is raising his voice for the nation, and the PM is busy blaming the opposition and our government.”

Mamata called the “Operation Bengal” remark an insult to the people of West Bengal. “Modi has disrespected the women of Bengal. We respect everyone but not at the cost of our own self-respect. How dare he say ‘Operation Bengal’? If that is the case, call elections tomorrow — we are ready!”

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