Kolkata, India: In a rare show of political unity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed unequivocal support for the Central government and the Indian Armed Forces in the wake of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a decisive military response targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Addressing a press conference at her administrative headquarters Nabanna, the State Secretariat, Banerjee affirmed, “We stand united in the fight against terrorism. This is not the time for division—our country must move together, shoulder to shoulder.”
Her remarks came just hours after the military operation, which followed the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed several civilian lives. Praising the armed forces for their courage, Banerjee reiterated the need for calm and collective vigilance, appealing to media platforms to verify information before dissemination and urging the public to avoid panic.
Emergency Measures Activated
As a precautionary measure, the West Bengal government has activated disaster management units at both Nabanna and the North Bengal secretariat, Uttar Kanya. The Chief Minister also directed English-medium private schools to commence their summer vacation early, starting May 9, coinciding with Rabindra Jayanti. State-run schools had already begun their recess.
“These are steps taken in public interest. We must ensure the safety and mental well-being of students while remaining alert to the national security environment,” Banerjee noted.
Unified Front Across Political Spectrum
The Trinamool Congress leadership also conveyed its respect for the armed forces. Party general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee posted a powerful image of senior officials—including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi—briefing the press post-operation. “This image stands as a symbol of India’s unity and resilience against external threats,” he wrote on social media.
The spirit of unity was echoed by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, who described May 7 as a “day of pride and national resolve.”
Applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the defence establishment for the success of the mission, Adhikari called the name ‘Operation Sindoor’ symbolic and fitting, referencing the tragic loss of lives in the Pahalgam attack.
“This is the time to stand firm against terror and those who weaken the fabric of our nation from within,” he said, urging the public to reject divisive forces.
A Moment of National Cohesion
The developments surrounding Operation Sindoor have brought together leaders from different ideologies under the common cause of national security. In a virtual meeting called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Banerjee joined her counterparts from other border states to review preparedness and coordination measures.
At a time when internal political rivalries often dominate headlines, the firm stance by opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee marks a moment of collective resolve—underscoring that in the face of terror, India speaks in one voice.
