Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invoking India’s decisive role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, issued a scathing warning to Pakistan on Thursday, asserting that India has “entered their territory thrice and struck back” in response to terrorism—and will not hesitate to do so again.
Referring to India’s most recent cross-border operation, Modi said, “Keep in mind—we’ve crossed into your territory and retaliated thrice. If provoked again, we won’t hesitate to do it once more. Operation Sindoor has not ended yet.”
The Prime Minister drew a direct connection between the Pakistani military’s atrocities in 1971 and its continued patronage of terrorism in the present day. Citing the lessons of both history and recent military action, he said, “We have made them understand the power of Sindoor. Operation Sindoor has not concluded. In 1971, Pakistan’s army committed brutalities in Bangladesh. Today, they continue to shelter terrorists. But this time, we showed them what India is capable of.”
The rally’s location near the Bangladesh border and the timing of Modi’s remarks—following increasing diplomatic signals of Dhaka’s engagement with Pakistan after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year—was interpreted by many as a calculated geopolitical message. Modi’s words signaled India’s firm stance on national security and an evolving doctrine that combines historical memory with contemporary deterrence.
Turning his attention to domestic politics, Modi launched a fierce attack on West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of deep-rooted corruption, administrative collapse, and betrayal of the state’s poor and marginalised communities. He referred to recent outbreaks of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda, saying, “These events are glaring examples of the cruelty and lawlessness thriving under the TMC regime. The government here is not just corrupt—it is indifferent to the cries of its people. Courts have to repeatedly intervene because the state sits idle, encouraging anarchy.”
He alleged that the TMC promotes appeasement politics and allows politically backed hooliganism to flourish, depriving women, Dalits, tribals, and the poor of their rights. The Prime Minister also referred to the SSC recruitment scam, where the Supreme Court cancelled the appointment of 26,000 teachers due to irregularities.
Criticizing the TMC for jeopardising the futures of young aspirants, he said, “Thousands of deserving youth now stand on the edge of uncertainty. But the TMC feels no remorse. Instead of accountability, they shamelessly blame the judiciary. The BJP will not allow this injustice to continue.”
Modi accused the TMC government of intentionally obstructing the implementation of central welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He claimed TMC leaders are demanding commissions from the poor to access benefits, thereby blocking healthcare, housing, and social security. “This ruthless government is depriving people of health insurance, housing and dignity. Even tribal welfare has been ignored. It was TMC who first opposed the idea of electing a tribal woman as India’s President,” he said.
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This visit marked Modi’s first to Bengal since Operation Sindoor, India’s calibrated cross-border strike on terrorist infrastructure following the Pahalgam massacre. During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a city gas distribution project aimed at supplying piped natural gas to 2.5 lakh homes and businesses across Bengal and the northeast. He said the initiative would generate thousands of jobs and boost economic activity. “Whether it’s highways, Metro extensions, or port upgrades—West Bengal’s active participation is vital for a Vikshit Bharat (Developed India),” Modi added.
In a move that underscored the nationalistic tone of the event, BJP supporters were seen waving the Indian national flag instead of the party’s banners—a symbolic gesture that aligned with the overarching narrative of national security and unity being promoted in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
The Trinamool Congress responded promptly on social media to the Prime Minister’s blistering speech. Posting on its official X handle, the TMC countered Modi’s claims and questioned his government's own record on governance and law and order.
“Modi ji listed 5 ‘Sankats’. Let’s talk facts: Law & order? Manipur has been burning for 2 years. Fix your mess first. Women’s safety? From Unnao to Hathras, @BJP4India’s track record is soaked in silence and shame. Youth hopelessness? Paper leaks, NEET scam, and 45% unemployment—BJP’s national gift to students. Corruption? Half your Cabinet is out on bail. Irony died a slow death. Selfish govt? Bengal was denied MGNREGA and Awas Yojana funds due to your government’s vendetta politics,” the TMC wrote.
As Modi’s message echoed across North Bengal, it was evident that his speech served a dual purpose: to deliver a hard-hitting warning to external threats and to mount an unrelenting political offensive against domestic rivals. With national elections approaching, the battle for Bengal is being shaped not just by local issues but by a broader national narrative centered on security, governance, and justice.
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