West Bengal CM Calls Operation Sindoor a “Missed Opportunity” to Reclaim PoK

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stirred controversy with her sharp criticism of the central government’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives. While speaking in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Banerjee praised the Indian Army’s precision strikes during Operation Sindoor but also accused the Centre of showing lack of strategic resolve, suggesting India had a “missed opportunity” to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Her remarks not only reignited national debates on India’s military strategy but also triggered political clashes within the Assembly, with the BJP protesting the omission of “Operation Sindoor” from the official resolution. Banerjee, in turn, accused the BJP of politicizing the armed forces and focusing more on self-promotion than national security.

Mamata Banerjee’s PoK Remark and Criticism of Operation Sindoor Strategy

In her address to the House, Mamata Banerjee praised the Indian armed forces for their professional execution of Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre, but sharply questioned the Centre’s decision-making. According to Banerjee, India had a chance to strike decisively and reclaim PoK, but the opportunity was lost due to political hesitancy.

Calling the military operation “precision-based but restrained,” Banerjee said that while India succeeded in hitting terror hubs across the LoC, it failed to impose a long-term strategic cost on Pakistan. “What stopped us?” she asked, implying that a more assertive response could have altered the regional balance.

Her remarks have reignited conversations about India’s PoK policy, especially in light of increasing public and political pressure to adopt a more aggressive posture against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. However, critics argue that Banerjee’s tone bordered on political opportunism rather than strategic insight.

BJP vs TMC Clash Over Assembly Resolution and Armed Forces Recognition

The situation escalated when the West Bengal government passed a resolution condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and praising the armed forces, but notably omitted any direct reference to Operation Sindoor. This omission sparked immediate outrage from the BJP legislators, who accused the TMC of downplaying the military’s achievement and trying to avoid crediting the Modi government for its counter-terror strategy.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded that Operation Sindoor be formally recognized in the resolution. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur also responded, stating that the operation was meant to “end terrorism, not start political debates,” and accused Banerjee of undermining the armed forces’ intent and valor.