West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday suggested that India had an opportunity to take control of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the recent military face-off between the two nations.
Addressing the state legislative assembly, Banerjee hit out at the Union government over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and said the Centre had failed to provide security to the people of the country.
"The BJP (government) should resign as it has failed to provide security to the people of the country," she said.
"The dastardly attack exposes the Centre's failure to protect our citizens. While our jawans showed unmatched bravery, what was the Centre doing about the recurring security breaches?,” she asked.
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The chief minister questioned why there were no security forces or police personnel present at the spot of the terror attack that left 26 civilians, mainly tourists, dead.
The assembly later adopted a resolution lauding the valour of the armed forces during 'Operation Sindoor', although the term was never mentioned in the tabled resolution.
"We don't support terrorism; it has no religion, caste, or creed,” Banerjee said, adding that those behind the Pahalgam attack should be brought to justice.
The Trinamool Congress supremo also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of trying to politicise the valour of the armed forces with an eye on elections.
"PM Modi is only busy advertising about himself,” she said.
The chief minister’s remarks drew sharp reaction from the BJP MLAs who, led by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, rose to their feet, shouting slogans and accusing Banerjee of politicising a national tragedy.
