Abhishek Banerjee escalates rhetoric over Pakistan threat to Kolkata-

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee recently sparked a major political controversy after delivering a strongly worded response to Pakistan’s recent threat targeting Kolkata, intensifying the political discourse ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing an election rally in Siliguri, the TMC general secretary referred to remarks made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who had warned that Kolkata could be a potential target in the event of future hostilities between India and Pakistan.

Reacting sharply, Banerjee accused the Centre of remaining silent and said, “Two days ago, Khawaja Asif said they would blow up Kolkata. Our Prime Minister, Home Minister and Defense Minister remained silent. I have written his name on my list. The day Mamata Banerjee and the INDIA alliance form the government, we will enter their homes and kill them.”

He further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he was focused on election campaigning in Cooch Behar instead of responding to the threat. Banerjee also targeted Union ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, accusing them of inaction.

“He is sitting in Pakistan and threatening Kolkata, while our leadership remains silent. Amit Shah calls us Bangladeshis and Pakistanis every day, but when Pakistan threatens Kolkata, he becomes a mute spectator,” Banerjee said.

Pakistan remarks trigger fresh flashpoint

The controversy follows statements made by Asif over the weekend in Sialkot, where he warned that any future conflict with India would not remain limited to border regions. He claimed that if India carried out a “false flag” operation, Pakistan would respond by extending the conflict to cities like Kolkata.

Without providing evidence, Asif alleged that such operations could involve “their own men or Pakistanis in their detention” and warned of a broader escalation. “This time, the conflict will not remain limited. We will enter their territory and strike them inside their own homes,” he said.

India signals firm response amid tensions

While India has not issued a direct response to Asif’s latest remarks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently reiterated that any “misadventure” by Pakistan would invite an “unprecedented and decisive” response.

Referring to the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead, Singh said India’s actions had already demonstrated its stance against cross-border terrorism.

The attack had triggered a brief but intense four-day military escalation, during which India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using missile and drone strikes. Pakistan responded with artillery, drones and missiles before a ceasefire was reached on May 10 following talks.

Political heat rises ahead of Bengal polls

Banerjee’s remarks come at a time of heightened political activity in West Bengal, with the TMC repeatedly attacking the Centre over national security issues, while the BJP has accused the party of using provocative rhetoric during campaigns.

Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.