West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she described as an attempt to politicize the devastating floods in North Bengal. In her remarks, Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of turning a humanitarian crisis into a political spectacle, urging instead for collective action and compassion during such a critical time.

Banerjee calls for unity amid natural disaster

Banerjee emphasized that moments of natural calamity should bring people together rather than divide them along political lines. She stated that the focus should remain on rescuing affected families, restoring essential services, and ensuring timely relief distribution. According to her, any attempt to use the tragedy for political advantage undermines the spirit of national solidarity that is essential during emergencies.

Criticism of unverified claims

The West Bengal Chief Minister accused the Prime Minister of making unsubstantiated statements regarding the state’s handling of the flood situation. She argued that such remarks not only misrepresent ground realities but also demoralize officials and volunteers working tirelessly in relief operations. Banerjee reiterated that accurate information and coordination between central and state agencies are vital to effective disaster management.

Appeal for cooperative governance

Highlighting the need for cooperation between different levels of government, Banerjee urged national leaders to prioritize humanitarian concerns over political narratives. She noted that rebuilding flood-affected areas requires joint efforts involving both central assistance and local implementation. Her appeal reflected an ongoing call for non-partisan collaboration in addressing large-scale natural disasters across India.

‘Nation-building, not narrative-building’

In one of her strongest remarks, Banerjee asserted that the Prime Minister’s primary responsibility lies in nation-building rather than what she termed “narrative-building.” She stressed that leadership during crises should be measured by empathy, coordination, and tangible action rather than public rhetoric or partisan positioning. Her comments underscored a broader debate about how political leaders communicate during times of distress.

Focus on relief and rehabilitation

Banerjee reaffirmed her government’s commitment to ongoing rescue and rehabilitation work in North Bengal. Teams have been mobilized to provide food, shelter, and medical support to displaced residents while infrastructure repair continues in affected districts. She called on all political parties to set aside differences until normalcy is restored, emphasizing that recovery efforts must take precedence over political disagreements.

The exchange between Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights recurring tensions between state and central authorities during disaster responses in India. While differing viewpoints are common in democratic governance, Banerjee’s message centered on unity, compassion, and accountability as guiding principles in times of crisis — urging leaders at every level to prioritize people over politics when lives are at stake.