Mamata accuses Modi Govt of being ‘controlled’ by U.S. President

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (July 21, 2025) accused the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being controlled by the President of United States of America Donald Trump.

“Where is India now? You [Prime Minister Narendra Modi] are being controlled by the U.S. President [Donald Trump], and yet you boast loudly,” Ms. Banerjee said addressing her party’s annual Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata.

The Trinamool Congress chairperson’s remarks appeared to be a reference to the U.S. President’s controversial claim that he had persuaded India into a ceasefire with Pakistan by threatening to cut off trade with both countries.

The West Bengal Chief Minister also said that Mr. Modi could not even take Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor in which so much blood was shed. “You come to Bengal, speak in Bengali by watching a teleprompter, and think you can win our hearts? You couldn’t even take PoK, but you are dreaming of Bengal!”she said.

The martyrs of Pahalgam terror attack including the parents of slain Bengali tourist Bitan Adhikari and the kin of martyr Jawan Jhantu Ali Sheikh from Tehatta were present at the stage at the Trinamool’s mega event in Kolkata’s Esplanade. The Chief Minister felicitated them with traditional ‘uttariyas’ and announced a financial assistance of ₹1 lakh for each family. Ms. Banerjee had announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each of the families of three Bengali tourists killed in the attack. The West Bengal Assembly on June 10 unanimously passed a “resolution conveying appreciation for the Indian Armed Forces”

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of deportation of Indians in chains from the U.S. and asked what was the Prime Minister was doing then.

“Remember how the .U.S President sent back two planes filled with people to Gujarat, with their hands and feet shackled and tied? Where were you then? No one was ever sent back from Bengal, because Bengal’s talent goes there,” she said. Earlier also the West Bengal Chief Minister had called the deportation of Indian nationals in chains a matter of “national shame”.