PM Modi, Mamata Banerjee Clash Over Attack on BJP Leaders in Flood-Hit Bengal
Tensions between the Centre and the West Bengal government flared on Monday after two BJP leaders were assaulted in landslide-affected north Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over what he called a “collapse of law and order,” while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused him of “politicising a natural disaster” and making “unverified allegations.”
Violence Amid Relief Efforts
The confrontation unfolded after torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods across north Bengal, leaving at least 30 people dead and several missing. During a relief visit to Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata, BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were allegedly attacked by a mob.
Videos circulating on social media showed Murmu bleeding from his face and nose. The BJP alleged that the attackers were “local elements linked to the ruling TMC,” while the TMC dismissed the claim as “political drama” and “photo-op politics.”
PM Modi Condemns Attack
Prime Minister Modi strongly criticised the incident, calling it “appalling” and symptomatic of a deeper governance failure.
“The manner in which our party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state.”
He urged the West Bengal government to prioritise relief over politics and called upon BJP workers to continue assisting in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
“I call upon BJP karyakartas to keep working among the people and assist the ongoing rescue operations,” he added.
Mamata Banerjee’s Response
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been personally supervising relief efforts in the affected regions, issued a strong rebuttal late Monday night. She accused the Prime Minister of attempting to score political points amid a humanitarian crisis.
“It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation,” Banerjee said on X.
“The PM has blamed the TMC and the state government without a shred of verified evidence, legal enquiry, or administrative report. This is not just a political low — it is a breach of the constitutional ethos he has sworn to uphold.”
She further cautioned that unverified accusations “lower the dignity of the highest office” and stressed that due legal process — not political rhetoric — must determine accountability. Earlier in the day, Banerjee had appealed for peace and urged residents to avoid “any untoward incidents” during ongoing rescue operations.
Governor Expresses Concern
West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose, who is stationed in Darjeeling to monitor the situation, expressed “deep concern” over the assault on the BJP leaders. He urged state authorities to take swift and appropriate measures to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of relief workers and politicians alike.
Massive Damage Across North Bengal
The natural disaster has wreaked havoc across several districts. Entire hamlets in Mirik, Darjeeling, and the Dooars region have been swept away, while major roads, bridges, and tea gardens in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar have suffered extensive damage.
Banerjee described the flooding as “man-made,” accusing the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of releasing water without coordination, worsening the devastation. She also criticised the Centre for “failing to manage water discharge effectively” despite repeated warnings from the state government.
The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised a home guard job for one eligible member from each bereaved family. Rescue and search operations remain underway, with at least four people still missing.
