In a fiery escalation of political rhetoric during the election season, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee has lashed out at the Central government over its “mysterious silence” regarding Pakistan’s direct threat to Kolkata. Speaking at a mega rally in Siliguri, Abhishek issued a stern warning to Islamabad, stating, “The day Mamata Banerjee and the INDIA bloc form the government, we will enter their homes and strike.”

The controversy erupted after Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, recently warned in Sialkot that Kolkata would be targeted if India showed any aggression. Launching a scathing attack on PM Modi and Amit Shah, Abhishek questioned why the duo remains a “silent spectator” while Bengal is being threatened from across the border. “The Home Minister, who frequently labels us as Pakistanis or Bangladeshis, is suddenly quiet when a real threat is issued against Kolkata,” Banerjee remarked.

Highlighting the lapse in national security discourse, Abhishek noted that while the PM is busy campaigning in Cooch Behar to oust the local government, he has failed to condemn the Pak minister’s audacity. Invoking the spirit of ‘Operation Sindur’ launched after the Pahalgam attack, the Diamond Harbour MP asserted that he has “noted down Khawaja Asif’s name” for future accountability. This heated exchange has now brought the issue of border security and regional pride to the forefront of the ongoing assembly polls.