Kolkata: In a sharp political escalation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting religious symbolism for political gains, particularly targeting the BJP’s upcoming “Operation Sindoor” campaign scheduled for June 9.
‘Politicisation of Sindoor’ Draws Fire
The BJP’s proposed nationwide sindoor distribution initiative has drawn strong criticism from TMC leaders, who argue that the sacred Hindu symbol is being reduced to a political prop. According to BJP insiders, the campaign is part of a broader outreach strategy aimed at women voters and reinforcing cultural identity. However, TMC has labelled the initiative a dangerous precedent.
“Sindoor holds deep spiritual significance for Hindu women. To exploit it for political mileage is not only disrespectful but dangerous,” said TMC MP Dr. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar in a statement to India Today.
‘Operation Sindoor’ Under Scrutiny
Dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” the campaign is expected to include symbolic gestures such as sindoor distribution, temple visits, and grassroots mobilisation. While BJP leaders insist the effort is aimed at cultural connection, the TMC has dismissed it as a communal strategy disguised as outreach.
TMC leaders have also drawn parallels between the BJP’s current tactics and those once employed by the CPI(M), calling the campaign a “low political gesture” and warning of its potential to deepen religious divides.
Mamata Banerjee Responds to PM Modi’s Bengal Visit
The controversy comes on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to West Bengal, during which he offered prayers at temples and invoked Hindu traditions in public speeches. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of “communalising culture” and attempting to polarise voters through religious rhetoric.
‘Outreach or Outcry?’
“The BJP is not reaching out to the public — it is crying out in desperation,” a TMC spokesperson said, referencing the party’s struggles in Bengal and other states. According to the TMC, the sindoor drive is less about tradition and more about masking political insecurities.
As June 9 approaches, the BJP’s symbolic campaigns are expected to intensify, but so too are the warnings from opposition leaders who argue that religion should remain above politics.
Dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” the campaign is expected to include symbolic gestures such as sindoor distribution, temple visits, and grassroots mobilisation. While BJP leaders insist the effort is aimed at cultural connection, the TMC has dismissed it as a communal strategy disguised as outreach.
TMC leaders have also drawn parallels between the BJP’s current tactics and those once employed by the CPI(M), calling the campaign a “low political gesture” and warning of its potential to deepen religious divides.
