West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a dip in the Yamuna, citing its pollution as an issue. This challenge was issued on April 24, 2026, as she addressed a rally in Howrah. Banerjee alleged that the Prime Minister’s visit was merely an effort to secure votes ahead of the second phase of polling scheduled for April 29.

During her address, Banerjee highlighted a contrast between the Yamuna in Delhi and the Ganges in West Bengal. She described the Ganges as clean and spoke dismissively about the condition of the Yamuna. “Why don’t you take a dip in the Yamuna in Delhi? It’s totally polluted! You can’t clean the Yamuna, but you come here to take photos on our Ganga,” she stated, referring specifically to Modi’s recent boat ride on the Hooghly River.

Banerjee acknowledged the Prime Minister’s presence in the state but emphasised contributions from the state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation regarding the cleaning and beautification efforts of the river. She insinuated that the Prime Minister’s boat ride was a politically motivated act aimed at influencing voters ahead of the elections.

Prime Minister’s Boat Ride on Hooghly River

On the same day, Prime Minister Modi embarked on a boat ride on the Hooghly River, expressing his commitment to the development of West Bengal and the welfare of the state’s inhabitants. He shared images on social media showcasing himself seated aboard a wooden boat with notable landmarks, such as the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu, visible in the background.

The Prime Minister’s boat ride was part of his broader campaign activities in the state, where 152 seats had already gone to polls on April 23, with another 142 constituencies set to vote on April 29. Modi’s statements during the ride indicated a focus on economic growth and development for the “great Bengali people.”

Banerjee’s remarks reflect ongoing political tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal. The discourse surrounding the cleanliness of the rivers has often been leveraged by politicians to address environmental concerns amid competitive electoral campaigning.

Political Context of the Ongoing Elections

As the region approaches the crucial second phase of polling, the remarks made by Banerjee add to the political discourse regarding environmental issues and the management of natural resources. The disproportionate focus on river conditions during election times often points to a deeper concern regarding governance and accountability among political leaders.

The vote count for the ongoing elections is scheduled for May 4, 2026, and both parties are intensifying their campaign efforts as the date approaches. The exchanges between Banerjee and Modi illustrate the charged atmosphere of the political landscape in West Bengal.

In summary, the challenge posed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alongside the Prime Minister’s public engagements, underscores the intersection of environmental issues and political manoeuvring within the context of West Bengal’s electoral process.

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