TMC Launches Fierce Criticism Against Amit Shah for 'Ei Didi' Comment
Kolkata: The political atmosphere in West Bengal heated up significantly on Wednesday as the Trinamool Congress (TMC) escalated its verbal assault on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The controversy stems from Shah's reference to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as "Ei Didi" during a rally in Salboni the previous day. The BJP swiftly countered, labeling the entire episode as a "deliberate attempt to mislead the people" and dismissing the allegations outright.
Abhishek Banerjee's Strong Condemnation at Deganga Rally
Speaking at a political gathering in Deganga, located in North 24 Parganas, Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP leadership. "Yesterday, the country's home minister referred to our chief minister — who has been elected by 10 crore people — as ‘Ei Didi'. This is not an isolated incident. Five years ago, the Prime Minister himself said ‘Didi, O Didi'. Now we see this pattern repeating. I firmly believe they have lost their minds," Banerjee stated emphatically.
He further elaborated on the perceived desperation of the central government. "They have realized that despite deploying every possible resource — central forces, the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation, courts, social media campaigns, thousands of crores spent, and money funneled to parties like ISF, AJUP, CPM, and Congress — nothing is working. The reason is simple: while everyone else might be with them, the people of Bengal stand firmly with Trinamool," Banerjee added, highlighting the party's grassroots support.
Contrasting Political Forces in Bengal
Banerjee painted a vivid picture of the political landscape, drawing a sharp contrast between the two sides. "On one side stand the Prime Minister, the home minister, the defence minister, the finance minister, 16 BJP chief ministers, 28 governors, the Election Commission, and the ED — all ganged up together in a formidable alliance. On the other side stands Didi, backed unwaveringly by 10 crore people. And yet, these outsider zamindars cannot leave a single scratch on her leadership," he declared.
He issued a stern warning to those underestimating Bengal's resolve. "To those who dare to underestimate Bengal — if the people so wish, it won't take five seconds to crush their arrogance. The strength of the masses is unparalleled, and we will not tolerate any disrespect towards our leader or our state," Banerjee asserted, rallying his supporters.
BJP's Firm Rejection of the Allegations
In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) categorically rejected the charges leveled by the Trinamool Congress. A senior Bengal BJP leader clarified the party's stance, emphasizing respect for women. "No one in the BJP will ever show disrespect to any woman. Amit Shah has always referred to Mamata Banerjee as ‘Mamata Didi' or simply ‘Didi'. This entire controversy is being misconstrued and twisted to deceive the people. It is a calculated move to divert attention from real issues," the leader stated.
The BJP dismissed the TMC's accusations as baseless and politically motivated, arguing that the focus should remain on governance and development rather than manufactured controversies. The party reiterated its commitment to respectful political discourse while accusing the Trinamool of engaging in divisive tactics to sway public opinion.
This exchange marks another chapter in the ongoing political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal, with both sides digging in their heels ahead of future electoral battles. The controversy over the 'Ei Didi' remark has ignited passionate debates across the state, reflecting the deep-seated tensions and high stakes in Bengal's political arena.
