West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her criticism of the central government by demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for what she described as repeated failures to prevent terror attacks in the country. The Trinamool Congress supremo said that internal security falls directly under the Home Ministry and any lapses must be owned by its leadership.
Speaking to the media, Banerjee expressed concern over recent incidents and said that despite advancements in surveillance and intelligence gathering, terror-related threats continue to surface. She questioned why intelligence warnings, if available, were not acted upon in time and whether coordination among security agencies was functioning effectively. According to her, the safety of citizens should remain above political considerations.
The chief minister also alleged that the central government focuses more on political narratives rather than addressing structural issues related to national security. She argued that accountability is essential in a democracy and that leaders responsible for critical portfolios must answer for failures. Banerjee further said that states often bear the consequences of security lapses even though key decisions are taken at the Centre.
The remarks are part of an ongoing political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Relations between the West Bengal government and the Centre have remained tense, particularly over issues related to law and order, federalism, and the role of central agencies. The BJP has repeatedly accused the West Bengal government of failing to curb crime and political violence in the state, allegations that the state government has denied.
Responding to Banerjee’s comments, BJP leaders dismissed her demand as politically motivated and accused her of diverting attention from governance issues in her own state. They maintained that the central government has strengthened counter-terror mechanisms and improved intelligence coordination over the years. BJP leaders also pointed to security operations conducted nationwide to counter extremist threats.
Political analysts say such statements are likely to sharpen the political discourse ahead of upcoming elections. National security remains a sensitive and impactful issue, often influencing public opinion. Opposition leaders have increasingly raised concerns over security lapses, while the government continues to highlight its efforts in strengthening border security, intelligence networks, and counter-terror operations.
Banerjee’s demand adds to a broader debate on accountability and transparency in handling internal security challenges. As political exchanges continue, the issue is expected to remain in focus, with both sides seeking to shape the narrative around governance, safety, and leadership responsibility.
