New Delhi: The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has taken two big decisions related to Operation Sindoor. One is that Abhishek Banerjee's name was put forward instead of party MP Yusuf Pathan in the delegation going abroad to present India's side on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and Operation Sindoor; and secondly, a five-member TMC delegation has been decided to be sent to understand the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir from the Pahalgam terrorist attack to Operation Sindoor. Assembly elections are to be held in West Bengal early next year, so both these decisions of the state's Chief Minister and TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee are being linked to that as well. Especially because the opposition BJP has been accusing her of being anti-Hindu.
Mamata's stand changed on all-party delegation
After international cricketer turned TMC MP Yusuf Pathan withdrew from the all-party delegation, the party informed on X that 'Mamata Banerjee has nominated Abhishek Banerjee to represent us in the all-party delegation for India's global stand against terrorism. His voice will reflect India's commitment to peace, justice and global cooperation.' Earlier, Mamata had said that no one from her party was going abroad. She had said that the 'parent party' did not receive any request to suggest names for the delegation.
'TMC wants to keep Muslims under control'
On this change of heart of Mamata, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul told ANI, 'Who knows Abhishek Banerjee outside West Bengal?... People know Yusuf Pathan outside too, he is an international cricketer.... You want to keep Muslims under control... You will keep them like barbarians... You will give them madrasa education... You will not give them modern education... That is why Abhishek Banerjee's name was put forward and Yusuf Pathan's name was withdrawn... Yusuf Pathan should have spoken, but I think he is an international player, but his backbone is a little weak.'
TMC delegation sent on Jammu Kashmir tour
The second big decision of Mamata Banerjee that was talked about is sending a five-member delegation of TMC on a tour of Jammu and Kashmir. This tour is taking place in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. This team includes Trinamool MPs Derek O'Brien, Mohammad Nadimul Haque, Sagarika Ghosh, Mamata Thakur and West Bengal Minister Manas Bhunia. Trinamool posted on X and wrote, 'Under the guidance of AITC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, a team of 5 members is going to Srinagar, Poonch and Rajouri. The team will be there from 21 to 23 May. They will express their sympathy with the people affected by the cross-border attacks. They will share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones.'
On the very next night of Operation Sindoor, on 7-8 May, the Pakistan Army fired shells on the villages near the LoC (Line of Control). At least 13 people, including 4 children and a soldier, were killed in this attack. 57 people were also injured.
'Going to Kashmir, but what about the Hindus of Murshidabad'
On Mamata's decision to send members of the ruling Trinamool in Bengal to Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP said that all this is happening under vote bank politics. Party leader Dilip Ghosh in North 24 Parganas, Bengal, told ANI, "The public opinion that has been formed against Pakistan in the country, TMC has seen that if we don't speak against Pakistan, it will be difficult to do politics...they take such steps only looking at Muslim votes." Questioning Mamata's intentions, he said, "You are sending a delegation to Kashmir to see where Pakistan's shell has fallen...but the damage that Hindus have suffered in Murshidabad, houses have been demolished, temples have been demolished, two-three murders have taken place, why doesn't a TMC delegation go there..." Meanwhile, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi, on the basis of the investigation report on Murshidabad violence, has alleged that TMC has a hand in this violence, because Mehboob Alam, who is said to be its mastermind, is a TMC councilor.
