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Prime Minister Modi criticises Congress’ negative politics, warns of a major split, and brands it ‘Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress’ as NDA secures sweeping Bihar victory.

Major split could happen in Congress, it has become 'Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress': PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi criticises Congress&rsquo; negative politics, warns of a major split, and brands it &lsquo;Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress&rsquo; as NDA secures sweeping Bihar victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said there is "deep disappointment and anger" brewing within the Congress over the path on which its "naamdaars" are taking it on and a "major split" could hit the party ahead.
Addressing party workers and supporters at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi also said the Congress has become "Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress -- MMC" and its entire agenda revolves around this.
"The basis of the Congress' politics is now just negative politics. Sometimes it gives the slogan of 'chowkidar chor hai', other times it wastes the time of Parliament, sometimes it attacks institutions, sometimes it raises questions on EVMs, sometimes it abuses the Election Commission, other times it makes false allegations of 'vote chori', divides people on caste and religious lines, and puts forward the agenda of the enemies of the country," he said.
"The Congress has no positive vision for the country. The truth is that today the Congress has become the Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress -- MMC. The Congress' entire agenda revolves around this, so now a new faction is emerging within Congress itself, which is uncomfortable with this negative politics. There is deep disappointment and deep anger brewing within the party regarding the path on which the 'namdaars' of the Congress are taking the party on," Modi said.
"I suspect there might be another major split in Congress ahead," he said.
The prime minister pointed out that in the last three Lok Sabha polls, the Congress has not been able to touch three digits. After the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, assembly elections have been held in six states of the country, and in these elections, the number of MLAs of the Congress elected is less than the number of MLAs that "we have won just today", Modi said.
He said people's confidence in the party which ruled the country for decades is continuously decreasing. The Congress has been out of power in several states in the country -- 35 years in Bihar, 30 years in Gujarat, about four decades in Uttar Pradesh and five decades in West Bengal, he said.
"The allies of the Congress are also now understanding that due to its negative politics, it is drowning everyone. I had said during the Bihar polls that the 'naamdaar' of the Congress, by taking a dip in the pond, is practising how to drown and take everyone down," he said, in an apparent swipe at Gandhi who had jumped in a pond while interacting with fishermen in Bihar during the campaign.
"From this platform, I had warned the Congress allies that the party is a liability and is such a parasite that wants to eat into the vote bank of its allies to make a comeback and, therefore, its associates need to be wary of the Congress," Modi said.
The prime minister said he had stated earlier during the polls that the rift between the RJD and the Congress would soon come out in the open.
The ruling NDA decimated the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar on Friday to retain power, reaffirming Prime Minister Modi's popularity and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's enduring appeal and dealing a body blow to the Congress and ally RJD.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi terms the NDA’s landslide win in Bihar as a mandate for good governance, energising BJP workers and affirming a push to end 'jungle raj' in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Bihar verdict mandate for good governance; will rid West Bengal of 'jungle raj' next: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi terms the NDA&rsquo;s landslide win in Bihar as a mandate for good governance, energising BJP workers and affirming a push to end 'jungle raj' in West Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday termed the NDA win in Bihar as a vote for pro-people governance and vowed to throw out 'jungle raj' from West Bengal, saying the BJP's victory march will follow the flow of river Ganga from Bihar to Bengal.
Addressing a thanksgiving function at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Modi also set sights on other poll-bound states, saying the massive victory in Bihar has infused fresh energy in party workers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal where elections are due next year.
"The victory in Bihar has paved the way for the BJP's triumph in Bengal. I want to assure the people of West Bengal that, with your support, the BJP will put an end to the jungle raj in the state as well," he said.
The prime minister greeted party workers at the BJP headquarters here by waving the 'gamchha', the ubiquitous long cotton scarf worn by most people in Bihar and other eastern states amid chants of 'Modi-Modi' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.
As a symbolic gesture to connect with the people of Bihar on the occasion, PM Modi wore a 'gamchha' with Mithila painting on it and began his speech with chants of "Chhathi Maiyya ki Jai".
"The people of Bihar, with this massive victory and their unshakable confidence, have taken the state by storm ('garda uda diya')," said Modi in typical Bihar lingo.
He termed the victory in Bihar as a mandate for politics of good governance and hailed the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the contribution of all NDA leaders including Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Upendra Kushwaha.
"If the people are re-electing the BJP-led NDA government, it signifies the establishment of a pro-people, pro-governance and pro-development agenda. This represents a new foundation in Indian politics," the prime minister said.
The BJP-led NDA was on course for a landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections with well over two-thirds majority in the 243-member House.
"Today's victory is the beginning of a new journey. The trust that Bihar has reposed in us has put greater responsibility on our shoulders," he said.
The prime minister assured the voters of Bihar that the state will progress at an even faster pace, new industries will be established and the youth will get jobs within the state.
"Investment will come to Bihar, and this investment will bring more jobs. Tourism will expand in Bihar, and people will see Bihar's new strength. Our pilgrimage sites, places of faith and historical heritage will be rejuvenated," he said.
The prime minister said the victory has given a new "M-Y -- Mahila and Youth" formula as the people had destroyed the "communal 'M-Y' formula of the jungle raj people".
"Bihar has shown again that lies are defeated and people's trust wins," Modi said.
This victory has strengthened people's confidence in the Election Commission, the prime minister said.
In an apparent reference to the Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) support base of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Modi said in Bihar, some parties had formulated an "M-Y formula" but today's victory has given a new "positive M-Y -- Mahila and Youth" formula.
"Today, Bihar is among the states with a high youth population, and these youths belong to all religions and castes. Their wishes, aspirations and their dreams have destroyed the communal M-Y formula of the jungle raj people," Modi said in a swipe at the Opposition.
He said the Bihar polls have also shown that the voters, especially the young ones, take the purification of the electoral list seriously.
The youth of Bihar have also extended tremendous support to the revision of electoral rolls, he said.
Modi hailed the Election Commission for ensuring that elections take place smoothly and recalled how violence was the norm during the 'jungle raj', an apparent reference to RJD rule during the chief ministership of Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi.
His remarks come at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been alleging "vote chori" in state polls and accusing the EC of colluding with the BJP to ensure the party's victory.
Modi said with the new government, the NDA was now moving forward towards a golden journey of 25 years in Bihar.
"Bihar has ensured that the return of jungle raj will never happen again in this great land. Today's victory belongs to those sisters and daughters of Bihar who endured the terror of jungle raj during RJD's rule," he said.
The prime minister said the victory belonged to the youth of Bihar whose future was ruined due to the terror of Congress and those waving the red flag.
"Today's verdict is a mandate to the politics of development and rejection of the politics of nepotism," Modi said.
"When I used to speak about jungle raj and 'katta sarkar' (rule by country-made pistol), the RJD party raised no objections. However, it unsettled the Congress. Today, I want to reiterate that 'katta sarkar' will never return to Bihar," the prime minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails NDA’s landslide win in Bihar as a vote for development, welfare and stability, congratulating alliance partners and promising stronger growth for the state.

Victory of good governance, spirit of public welfare: PM Modi on NDA's Bihar win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hails NDA&rsquo;s landslide win in Bihar as a vote for development, welfare and stability, congratulating alliance partners and promising stronger growth for the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday termed the NDA's landslide win in the Bihar assembly elections as a victory of good governance, development and the spirit of public welfare and social justice.
In a series of posts on X, Modi also congratulated the BJP's alliance partners -- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, LJP-RV supremo Chirag Paswan, HAM leader Jitan Ram Manjhi and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha.
"Deepest gratitude to my family members of Bihar, who have blessed the NDA with a historic and unprecedented victory in the 2025 assembly elections," Modi said.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good governance has won. Development has won. Pro-people spirit has won. Social justice has won. Gratitude to each and every person of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historical and unparalleled victory in the 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. This mandate gives us renewed&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1989299654077600013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The prime minister said the resounding public mandate will empower the NDA to serve the people and work with new resolve for Bihar.
The NDA comprising BJP, JD(U) and other parties were on course for a landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections by taking the lead in 204 seats in the 243-member House.
The opposition grand alliance of the RJD, Congress and Left parties could manage to take the lead in 33 seats, 81 fewer than what it had bagged in the 2020 elections.
"The NDA has ensured all-round development of the state. The people have given us a massive majority after witnessing our track record and our vision to take the state to new heights," Modi said.
"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ji and our NDA family members Chirag Paswan ji, Jitan Ram Manjhi ji and Upendra Kushwaha ji for this resounding victory," he said.
The prime minister also thanked every NDA worker who worked tirelessly and took the ruling alliance's development agenda to the people.
"I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart," he said.
"In the coming times, we will actively work towards the development of Bihar, giving a new identity to the infrastructure here and the culture of the state. We will ensure that the youth power and women's power here get ample opportunities for a prosperous life," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi links 1937 removal of Vande Mataram stanzas to divisive mindset, launching 150-year nationwide commemoration of the national song.

PM Modi Critiques Congress Over 1937 Changes to 'Vande Mataram'

PM Modi on 'Vande Mataram' 1937 Changes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi links 1937 removal of Vande Mataram stanzas to divisive mindset, launching 150-year nationwide commemoration of the national song.

In an apparent attack at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said important stanzas of the national song 'Vande Mataram' were dropped in 1937, which sowed the seeds of partition, and asserted that such a "divisive mindset" is still a challenge for the country.&nbsp;
Modi made the comments while inaugurating the year-long commemoration of &lsquo;Vande Mataram&rsquo; to mark 150 years of the national song. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
"Vande Mataram became voice of India's freedom struggle, it expressed feelings of every Indian. Unfortunately, in 1937, important stanzas of Vande Mataram&hellip; its soul was removed. The division of Vande Mataram also sowed the seeds of partition. Today's generation needs to know why this injustice was done with this 'maha mantra' of nation building&hellip; this divisive mindset is still a challenge for the country," he said.
Noting that Vande Mataram is relevant in every era, the prime minister, in an apparent reference to Operation Sindoor, said, "When the enemy dared to attack our security and honour using terrorism, the world saw that India knows how to take the form of Durga."
The prime minister said as the country marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, it gives new inspiration and fills people of the country with new energy. "Vande Mataram is a word, a mantra, an energy, a dream, a resolve. It is the devotion to Mother India, the worship of Mother India. It connects us to our history and gives our future new courage. There is no resolve that cannot be achieved, no goal that we Indians cannot accomplish. We have to build a nation which is at the top on basis of knowledge, science and technology," he said.
The programme marks the formal launch of the year-long nationwide commemoration &mdash; from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026 &mdash; celebrating 150 years of the timeless composition that inspired India's freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity.
The song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on the occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7 in 1875. The song first appeared in the literary journal "Bangadarshan", as part of Chatterji's novel, "Anandamath".

PM Narendra Modi launches year-long celebration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, releasing commemorative stamp and coin at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

PM Modi Launches 150th Year of 'Vande Mataram' Celebrations

Celebrate 150 Years of 'Vande Mataram'

PM Narendra Modi launches year-long celebration of 150 years of &lsquo;Vande Mataram&rsquo;, releasing commemorative stamp and coin at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (November 7, 2025) inaugurated year-long commemoration of &lsquo;Vande Mataram&rsquo; to mark 150 years of the national song.
He also released a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here.
The programme will mark the formal launch of the year-long nationwide commemoration&mdash; from November 7, 2025 to November 7, 2026&mdash; celebrating 150 years of the timeless composition that inspired India's freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity.
The song was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterji on the occasion of Akshaya Navami, which fell on November 7 in 1875.
The song first appeared in the literary journal, "Bangadarshan", as part of Chatterji's novel, "Anandamath".

Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit, including the flagging off of four Vande Bharat Express trains.

Preparations in full swing for PM Modi's Varanasi visit; to flag off 4 Vande Bharat trains

Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been put in place in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s two-day visit, including the flagging off of four Vande Bharat Express trains.

Elaborate security and administrative arrangements have been made in Varanasi ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency beginning Friday evening.
During this visit, he will flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains connecting key cities across the country.
According to officials, the prime minister will arrive at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur around 5 pm on Friday, from where he will travel by road to Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), where he will stay overnight.
On Saturday morning, at around 8.15 am, Modi will flag off four Vande Bharat Express trains from the Banaras railway station. These new semi-high-speed trains will operate on the following routes:
1) Banaras&ndash;Khajuraho
2) Lucknow&ndash;Saharanpur
3) Firozpur&ndash;Delhi
4) Ernakulam&ndash;Bengaluru
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat will connect prominent cultural and religious destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Chitrakoot, officials said. After the flagging-off ceremony, Modi will travel by helicopter to Babatpur Airport and depart for Darbhanga, Bihar, around 9.15 am.
Meanwhile, the city has been adorned to welcome the prime minister. According to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries, arrangements have been made for his grand reception at several locations along his route, including Sant Atulanand Bypass, near JP Mehta, the BLW FCI godown, and near the BLW gate.
Commissioner of Police Mohit Agarwal said a three-tier security system has been put in place for the prime minister's visit. The entire route has been declared a 'no-flying zone', and CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring will ensure real-time vigilance.
All police personnel deployed on duty have been instructed to carry their identity cards at all times. No vehicles will be allowed to halt on the prime minister's route, and rooftop security deployment has also been made. Entry at the venue will be permitted only after thorough security checks.
Separate arrangements have been made for the frisking of women by women police officers, and officials on duty have been directed to carry loudspeakers and public address systems to manage the crowd efficiently.

Prime Minister Modi said Sardar Patel aimed to unite Kashmir like other princely states, but Nehru blocked it. He addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade at the Statue of Unity.

PM Modi Honors Sardar Patel's Vision at Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Modi Honors Patel at Unity Day Parade

Prime Minister Modi said Sardar Patel aimed to unite Kashmir like other princely states, but Nehru blocked it. He addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade at the Statue of Unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states, into India, but then PM Nehru did not allow it to happen.
&ldquo;Sardar Patel believed that one should not waste time writing history but we should work hard to create history,&rdquo; Modi said, addressing the gathering after the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat&rsquo;s Ekta Nagar.
&ldquo;Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire Kashmir, just as he did with other princely states. But Nehru ji stopped his wish from being fulfilled. Kashmir was divided, given a separate Constitution and a separate flag &mdash; and the nation suffered for decades because of Congress&rsquo; mistake,&rdquo; Modi said.
The policies that Sardar Patel formulated and the decisions he took created new history, the PM said.
&ldquo;After Independence, the impossible task of uniting more than 550 princely states was made possible by Sardar Patel. The idea of One India, Excellent India, was paramount for him,&rdquo; Modi said.
&ldquo;Sardar Patel once remarked that his greatest joy came from serving the nation. I want to convey to the people of our country that there is no greater source of happiness than dedicating oneself to the service of the nation,&rdquo; he said.
Before his speech, Modi reviewed the National Unity Day parade in which contingents from police and paramilitary forces took part.
Women officers commanded all the contingents, including paramilitary forces like BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, and SSB, and police contingents from Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
A contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) also participated in the parade.

Prime Minister Modi administered the Ekta Diwas pledge and witnessed a Republic Day-style parade at the Statue of Unity, Gujarat, celebrating Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

PM Modi Leads Unity Pledge at Statue of Unity

PM Modi's Unity Pledge at Statue of Unity

Prime Minister Modi administered the Ekta Diwas pledge and witnessed a Republic Day-style parade at the Statue of Unity, Gujarat, celebrating Sardar Patel&rsquo;s 150th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday administered the &ldquo;oath of unity&rdquo; to participants of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on the 150th birth anniversary of the country&rsquo;s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
PM Modi arrived at Patel&rsquo;s 182-metre-tall statue, near Ekta Nagar in Gujarat&rsquo;s Narmada district, in the morning and paid his respects to the Iron Man of India by offering flower petals.
He then left for a nearby venue where he administered the Ekta Diwas pledge to the gathering and witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade. Through this pledge, participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. The pledge also emphasised the importance of spreading this message among fellow countrymen.
This year&rsquo;s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations included a cultural festival and the National Unity Day parade by police and paramilitary forces. One of the major attractions of this year&rsquo;s celebrations was the &lsquo;Republic Day-style&rsquo; parade of the armed forces along with decorative tableaux.
The parade featured 10 floats from NSG (National Security Guard), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry, depicting the theme &lsquo;Unity in Diversity&rsquo;.
On the parade route, a cultural programme featuring 900 artists showcased India&rsquo;s classical dances, representing the richness and diversity of Indian culture. Contingents of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) also participated in the parade.
In a display of women&rsquo;s empowerment in the security forces, PM Modi received a ceremonial salute from contingents of police and paramilitary forces, all of them led by women officers.
Key attractions of this year's parade included a BSF marching contingent, composed exclusively of Indian breed dogs such as Rampur Hounds, Gujarat Police&rsquo;s horse contingent, Assam Police&rsquo;s motorcycle daredevil show, and BSF&rsquo;s camel contingent and camel-mounted band.
The parade also honoured five Shaurya Chakra awardees of the CRPF and 16 gallantry medal winners of the BSF who displayed exceptional courage in anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force presented a fly-past under &lsquo;Operation Surya Kiran&rsquo;.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity on his 150th birth anniversary, marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

PM Modi pays tributes to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity on his 150th birth anniversary, marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on the 150th birth anniversary of India's first home minister.
The birth anniversary of Patel is being celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31 since 2014, when Modi became the prime minister for the first time.
Modi arrived at Patel's 182-metre-tall statue, near Ekta Nagar in Gujarat's Narmada district in the morning and paid his respects to the Iron Man of India by offering flower petals.
He then left for a nearby venue where he is scheduled to administer the Ekta Diwas pledge to the gathering and witness Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade.
This year&rsquo;s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations will include a cultural festival and the National Unity Day parade by police and paramilitary forces.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, a major attraction of the celebrations, features contingents from paramilitary forces like the BSF and CRPF, and various state police forces.
This year, the event has become even more special with the parade being organised on the lines of Republic Day parade.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that PM Modi is skipping the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia to avoid US President Donald Trump, citing Modi’s reluctance to face Trump’s repeated claims about India and Russia.

Modi to Skip ASEAN Summit Amid Congress Criticism

Modi Skips ASEAN Summit, Faces Congress Criticism

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged that PM Modi is skipping the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia to avoid US President Donald Trump, citing Modi&rsquo;s reluctance to face Trump&rsquo;s repeated claims about India and Russia.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi unlikely to travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit, the Congress on Thursday claimed that the reason for his not going was that the PM doesn't want to be cornered by US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said posting messages in praise of President Trump on social media is one thing, but to be seen hobnobbing physically with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Operation Sindoor and has claimed five times that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia is far too risky for him.
"For days the speculation has been - will He or won't He? Will Mr. Modi go to Kuala Lumpur for the Summit or not?" Ramesh said on X. "Now it appears certain that the PM will not go. It means the loss of so many opportunities to hug and get photo ops with world leaders or to flaunt himself as the self-styled Vishwaguru," the Congress leader said.
"The reason why Mr. Modi is not going is simple. He just doesn't want to be cornered by President Trump who will also be there. He refused an invitation to attend the Gaza peace summit in Egypt a few weeks back, precisely for this reason," Ramesh said.&nbsp;
"Posting messages in praise of President Trump on social media is one thing. But to be seen hobnobbing physically with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Op Sindoor and has claimed 5 times that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia is another matter. It's far too risky for him," he said.
"The PM may well be recalling that old hit Bollywood number: Bachke re rehna re baba, bachke rehna re," Ramesh said. Modi is unlikely to travel to Malaysia to participate in the meetings related to the ASEAN summit beginning Sunday due to scheduling issues, people familiar with the matter said. It is learnt that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the meetings.&nbsp;
The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. There is no official word on India's level of participation at the deliberations related to the summit. India is learnt to have conveyed to Malaysia that Jaishankar will represent India at the ASEAN meetings.&nbsp;
There is a possibility of PM Modi's participation through virtual mode at the ASEAN-India summit. The prime minister has led the Indian delegations at the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia Summit in the last few years. Malaysia has invited Trump as well as leaders of several countries which are the dialogue partners of the ASEAN. Trump is set to travel to Kuala Lumpur on October 26 on a two-day trip. The ASEAN-India dialogue relations started with the establishment of a sectoral partnership in 1992. This graduated to full dialogue partnership in December 1995 and summit level partnership in 2002. The ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012.&nbsp;
The 10 member countries of ASEAN are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. The two-way relations between India and ASEAN have been on a significant upswing in the last few years with focus being on boosting cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.&nbsp;

The Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump claimed India would reduce oil imports from Russia, saying this was the fourth time in six days Trump had announced India’s policy.

Trump's Revelations Stir Political Flurry in India

Trump's Remarks on India-Russia Oil Deal

The Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi after US President Donald Trump claimed India would reduce oil imports from Russia, saying this was the fourth time in six days Trump had announced India&rsquo;s policy.

The Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at the government after US President Donald Trump repeated his claim that India is "not going to buy much oil from Russia" and said this is the fourth time in six days that the American leader has announced India's policy.
The opposition party also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying what he conceals, "Trump reveals".
The attack came after Trump spoke with Modi and greeted him on Diwali.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The PM has finally acknowledged publicly that President Trump called him up and that the two spoke to each other. But all that the PM has said is that the US President extended Diwali greetings. But while Mr. Modi conceals, Mr. Trump reveals."
"On his part, the US President has said that in addition to extending Diwali greetings, he spoke of India's oil imports from Russia and that he had been assured that these imports will be stopped. This is the 4th time in 6 days that the US President has announced India's policy," Ramesh said on X.
Earlier, President Trump had first announced the stoppage of Operation Sindoor on the evening of May 10 before Prime Minister Modi did, he said.
In a post on X on Wednesday morning, Modi said, "Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings.".
"On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms," the prime minister said.
The phone call between the two leaders comes at a time when the US-India relationship has hit a rough patch over trade tariffs and other issues.
Earlier, Trump in his remarks at the White House said, "I love the people of India. We're working on some great deals between our countries. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi today and we just have a very good relationship'. He's not going to buy much oil from Russia. He wants to see that war end as much as I do. He wants to see the war between Russia and Ukraine to end."
"They're not going to be buying too much oil. So they've cut it way back, and they're continuing to cut it way back," Trump said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for his Diwali wishes after a phone conversation, emphasizing the shared democratic values and deepening friendship between India and the United States.

PM Modi thanks US President Trump for Diwali greetings, highlights strong India-US ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for his Diwali wishes after a phone conversation, emphasizing the shared democratic values and deepening friendship between India and the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his gratitude to United States President Donald Trump for his Diwali wishes after the two leaders spoke over the phone on the occasion of the festival of lights.
In a post shared on X on Wednesday, PM Modi appreciated President Trump&rsquo;s gesture and highlighted the strong democratic bond between India and the United States.
&ldquo;Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms,&rdquo; the Prime Minister wrote.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings. On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms.<a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1980826742379184347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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President Trump, who celebrated Diwali at the White House on Tuesday (local time), conveyed his greetings to Indians and Indian-Americans. During his address, Trump praised PM Modi, referring to him as a &ldquo;great person&rdquo; and &ldquo;a great friend,&rdquo; while noting the strength of bilateral cooperation in trade and regional stability.
&ldquo;Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade... He's very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let's have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,&rdquo; Trump said during the event. &ldquo;He's a great person, and he's become a great friend of mine over the years,&rdquo; he added.
Emphasizing Diwali&rsquo;s symbolism, Trump remarked, &ldquo;In a few moments, we'll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness... It's knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed.&rdquo;
Following his remarks, Trump lit the diyas to mark the celebration at the White House. Several senior officials from his administration were in attendance, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, India&rsquo;s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and the US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
Also present were prominent Indian-American business leaders, reflecting the growing involvement of the Indian diaspora in strengthening the US-India partnership. The White House celebration highlighted both the cultural significance of Diwali in the United States and the enduring friendship between the two democracies.

Rahul Gandhi alleges PM Modi allowed Donald Trump to dictate India's stance on Russian oil imports, criticising India’s silence on Operation Sindoor and questioning the government's foreign policy independence.

PM Modi is 'frightened' of US President Trump: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi alleges PM Modi allowed Donald Trump to dictate India's stance on Russian oil imports, criticising India&rsquo;s silence on Operation Sindoor and questioning the government's foreign policy independence.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "frightened" of US President Donald Trump, saying that he allowed the American leader to "decide and announce" that India will not buy Russian oil and "keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs".
His assertion came after Trump claimed that his "friend" PM Modi has assured him that India would stop purchasing oil from Russia, a move he described as a big step toward increasing pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
"PM Modi is frightened of Trump. Allows Trump to decide and announce that India will not buy Russian oil. Keeps sending congratulatory messages despite repeated snubs. Cancelled the Finance Minister's visit to America. Skipped Sharm el-Sheikh. Doesn't contradict him on Operation Sindoor," Gandhi said on X.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also lashed out at the government over the issue.
"At 5:37 PM Indian Standard Time on May 10, 2025, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the very first to announce that India has halted Operation Sindoor. Subsequently, President Trump has claimed 51 times in 5 different countries that he had intervened to stop Operation Sindoor by using tariffs and trade as his weapon of pressure. Yet our PM kept silent," Ramesh said on X.
"Now President Trump has declared yesterday that Mr. Modi has assured him that India will not import oil from Russia. Mr. Modi appears to have outsourced key decisions to America. The 56-inch chest has shrunk and shrivelled," he said.
Speaking to reporters at his Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said the US was not happy that India was buying Russian crude, arguing such purchases helped finance President Vladimir Putin's war.
"He (Modi) is a friend of mine, we have a great relationship... we were not happy with him buying oil from Russia because that let Russia continue on with this ridiculous war where they've lost a million and a half people," Trump said in response to a question.
"I was not happy that India was buying oil, and (Modi) assured me today that they will not be buying oil from Russia. That's a big step. Now we've got to get China to do the same thing," he said.
India is the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels behind China, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
Traditionally reliant on Middle Eastern oil, India, the world's third-largest oil importer, significantly increased its imports from Russia following the February 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Western sanctions and reduced European demand made Russian oil available at steep discounts. As a result, India's Russian crude imports surged from under 1 per cent to nearly 40 per cent of its total crude oil imports in a short span.
New Delhi has been maintaining that its oil imports are driven by national energy security and affordability concerns and that its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains independent and balanced.&nbsp;

Congress criticizes US President Donald Trump’s praise for Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, questioning the signal it sends to India despite PM Modi calling Trump his good friend.

Congress Criticizes India-U.S. Relations Amid Trump-Munir Praise

Congress Criticizes Trump for Munir Praise

Congress criticizes US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s praise for Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, questioning the signal it sends to India despite PM Modi calling Trump his good friend.

The Congress on Tuesday attacked the government over US President Donald Trump's praise for Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, saying what kind of signal is the American leader sending to India, in spite of PM Narendra Modi's "desperate attempts" to ingratiate himself with him.
What sort of friendship is this between Trump and Modi, the opposition party asked, citing instances of Trump's praise for Munir and past meetings between the two.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Prime Minister Modi keeps calling President Trump his good friend and to be fair the American leader also keeps calling Modi his good friend.
"But what sort of friendship is this? President Trump hosted Field Marshal Asim Munir to an unprecedented lunch in the White House on June 18, 2025. This was the Field Marshal whose inflammatory and communally poisonous remarks provided the backdrop to the Pahalgam terror attacks orchestrated by Pakistan on April 22, 2025," Ramesh said on X.
Then President Trump met with with the Field Marshal a second time in the White House on October 1, 2025, when the Field Marshal presented President Trump with a box of rare earths, he said.
"Now in Egypt yesterday, President Trump calls Asim Munir as 'my favourite Field Marshal' and gives special place to the PM of Pakistan. What kind of signal is President Trump sending to India, in spite of Mr. Modi's desperate attempts to ingratiate himself with the US President?" Ramesh said.
What sort of friendship is this, Ramesh asked.
Praising Sharif and Pakistan army chief Gen Asim Munir, Trump invited the Pakistan prime minister to address the summit of world leaders in Egypt after a ceasefire reached in Gaza ending the Israel-Hamas war.
Trump called Munir, who was not present, as "my favourite Field Marshal from Pakistan".
Trump on Monday also praised India and Prime Minister Modi without naming him, saying India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top.
Trump, addressing a summit of world leaders at this Egyptian city after a ceasefire reached in Gaza ending the Israel-Hamas war, said from the podium that he thinks India and Pakistan will live very nicely together.
"India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top and he's just done a fantastic job. I think Pakistan and India are going to live very nicely together," Trump said while looking at Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who was standing behind him, as he responded with a chuckle.
In his remarks, Sharif said he would like to nominate Trump again for the Nobel Peace Prize for saving millions of lives not only in South Asia but also in the Middle East.
After missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump has claimed to have resolved eight wars, including the one between India and Pakistan, saying he did not do this for the Nobel.
Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire after a long night of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim dozens of times that he helped settle the conflict between India and Pakistan.
India has consistently maintained that the understanding on cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was reached following direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer held wide-ranging talks to strengthen India-UK cooperation in trade, defence, security, and technology.

PM Modi, UK PM Starmer discuss trade, defence, and strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer held wide-ranging talks to strengthen India-UK cooperation in trade, defence, security, and technology.

India and the UK are "natural partners" and their growing ties stand as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress at a time the world is witnessing uncertainty, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday.
Modi made the remarks after his wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In his media statement, PM Modi said the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement inked in July will reduce import costs between the two countries, create new employment opportunities, boost trade, and benefit industries and consumers on both sides.
"India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law," he said.
"In today's time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress," he added.
The two leaders also shared views on the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
"On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region," Modi said.
The prime minister said India's dynamism and the UK's expertise have together created a "unique synergy".
"Our partnership is trustworthy, and driven by talent and technology. And today, as Prime Minister Starmer and I stand together on this stage, it is a clear reaffirmation of our shared commitment to work hand in hand towards building a brighter future for the people of both our nations," he said.
Modi also touched upon the growing defence partnership between the two countries.
"We are moving towards defense co-production and connecting the defence industries of both countries." "Taking our defence collaboration a step further, we have signed an agreement for cooperation in military training, under which flying instructors from the Indian Air Force will serve as trainers with the UK's Royal Air Force," he said.
The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UK's most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and educationists, landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit.
Starmer's visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and is expected to result in doubling the bilateral trade by 2030.
The trade deal was firmed up during PM Modi's visit to London in July.
In his remarks, Starmer described the India-UK partnership as "special" that is focused on the future.
India's growth story is remarkable, he said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held wide-ranging talks to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, security, and critical technology.

PM Modi holds talks with UK counterpart Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held wide-ranging talks to enhance cooperation in trade, defence, security, and critical technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held wide-ranging talks with his British counterpart Keir Starmer broadly focusing on boosting the India-UK ties in areas of trade, defence and security and critical technology.
The British leader, accompanied by a delegation of 125 of the UK's most prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs and educationists, landed in Mumbai on Wednesday morning on a two-day visit.
Starmer's visit to India came two-and-half months after the two countries inked a landmark free trade pact that will increase market access, cut tariffs and is expected to result in doubling the bilateral trade by 2030.
The trade deal was firmed up during PM Modi's visit to London in July.
In his remarks on Wednesday, Starmer said the trade deal is a "launchpad" for two-way growth, with India set to be the third biggest global economy by 2028.
"We signed a major trade deal with India in July -- the best secured by any country -- but the story doesn't stop there," he said.
"It's not just a piece of paper, it's a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled," he said.
In the talks, the Indian side also is expected to flag its concerns over activities of certain pro-Khalistan elements from British soil as well as pitch for extradition of a number of billionaire fugitives, including Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, from the UK to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s West Asia peace plan, saying the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and humanitarian steps could pave the way for lasting peace.

PM Modi welcomes agreement on Trump's peace plan for West Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the first phase of US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s West Asia peace plan, saying the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and humanitarian steps could pave the way for lasting peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the agreement on the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan for West Asia, under which Israel and Hamas have decided to pause fighting in Gaza.
Modi said the agreement was also a reflection of the strong leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu," Modi said in a post on X.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1976135900884033671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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"We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," he said.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to pause fighting in Gaza and release at least some hostages and prisoners in an agreement that was put forward by the Trump administration.
The agreement marks the biggest breakthrough in months in the devastating two-year-old war.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Rs 19,650 crore Navi Mumbai International Airport and dedicated the Rs 37,270 crore Mumbai Metro Line 3 to the nation, marking major infrastructure milestones for Maharashtra.

PM Modi inaugurates phase one of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Rs 19,650 crore Navi Mumbai International Airport and dedicated the Rs 37,270 crore Mumbai Metro Line 3 to the nation, marking major infrastructure milestones for Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated phase one of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, built at a cost of Rs 19,650 crore.
The new airport, spread over 1,160 hectares, is set to significantly boost India&rsquo;s aviation capacity and ease the heavy traffic burden on Mumbai&rsquo;s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Before the formal inauguration, the Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the newly constructed facility.
It is India's largest greenfield airport project, developed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and is the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Modi also inaugurated Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, constructed at a cost of Rs 12,200 crore.
He dedicated the entire Rs 37,270 crore Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) to the nation, marking a major milestone in the city's urban transport transformation.
Modi also launched the Mumbai One app which offers commuters a range of benefits, including integrated mobile ticketing across multiple public transport operators.
He also inaugurated the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP) initiative of the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in Maharashtra.
The programme is being rolled out across 400 government ITIs and 150 Government Technical High Schools, marking a major step in aligning skill development with industry requirements to enhance employability.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his 25th year in public office, recalling his 2001 oath as Gujarat CM and reaffirming his commitment to improving lives and advancing India’s progress.

PM Modi Marks 25 Years of Government Leadership

Modi's 25 Years in Leadership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his 25th year in public office, recalling his 2001 oath as Gujarat CM and reaffirming his commitment to improving lives and advancing India&rsquo;s progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday began his 25th year as the head of a government, asserting that improving the lives of people and contributing to the progress of this great nation have been his constant endeavour.
He noted in a post on X that he had taken oath on this day in 2001 as Gujarat&rsquo;s chief minister for the first time.
"Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government. My gratitude to the people of India," Modi said.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarat&rsquo;s Chief Minister for the first time. Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government. My gratitude to the people of India. Through all these years, it has been&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/21qoOAEC3E">pic.twitter.com/21qoOAEC3E</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1975423532545806508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
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He added, "Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all." After spearheading the BJP to victory in three consecutive assembly polls in Gujarat, he has led the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance to win in three successive national elections.
As an incumbent, Modi has never faced an electoral defeat and holds the record as the longest head of a government, including as chief minister for more than 12-and-a-half years, among all prime ministers.&nbsp;

A political row erupted after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh were assaulted in North Bengal’s landslide-hit area.

PM slams Bengal govt over attack on BJP leaders, Mamata accuses Modi of politicising floods

A political row erupted after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh were assaulted in North Bengal&rsquo;s landslide-hit area.

A political confrontation erupted on Monday between the Centre and the state government after two BJP leaders were assaulted in landslide-hit north Bengal, with PM Narendra Modi slamming the TMC over law and order, and CM Mamata Banerjee accusing him of "politicising a natural disaster".
A day after torrential rains triggered landslides and floods that left 30 people dead and several missing across north Bengal, BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were attacked by a mob in Jalpaiguri's Nagrakata while visiting relief sites, an incident that set off a political storm amid ongoing search and rescue operations.
Modi targeted the ruling party for the attack and said he wished the state government and the TMC were more focused on helping people rather than indulging in violence in such a challenging situation.
"The manner in which our party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state," the PM said in a post on X in the evening.
He urged BJP workers to continue assisting in rescue operations, saying, "I call upon BJP karyakartas to continue working among the people and assist the ongoing rescue operations." Banerjee, who is in north Bengal overseeing relief efforts, reacted to the PM's remarks late in the night, launching one of her fiercest attacks yet on Modi, accusing him of breaching the "constitutional ethos" of his office.
"It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides," she wrote on X.
Accusing the PM of making sweeping allegations without evidence, Banerjee said, "The PM has blamed the TMC and the West Bengal Government outright without a shred of verified evidence, legal inquiry, or administrative report. This is not just a political low, it is a breach of the constitutional ethos the Prime Minister has sworn to uphold. In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability &mdash; not a tweet from a political pulpit." Her statement, measured in tone but searing in content, accused the PM of lowering the dignity of his office.
"Such sweeping, unsubstantiated generalisations are not only immature, but also unbecoming of the highest office in the land. This is not the time for partisan chest-thumping. This is a time to help and heal," she said.
The chief minister wrote, "Listen to the elected state government, not just your party colleagues. You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of BJP. Your responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building." Earlier in the day, videos shared by Sankar Ghosh showed a visibly injured Murmu bleeding from his face and nose.
Ghosh alleged that the two were "kicked, punched and pelted with stones" by locals "aligned with the ruling TMC." The BJP claimed its leaders were attacked while trying to reach out to victims of the floods and landslides.
Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, a former state BJP president, also hit out at the ruling party, alleging that Murmu and Ghosh were "brutally attacked in the presence of the Mamata-police." The ruling party hit back, terming the incident a fallout of the opposition's "photo-op politics." North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said, "We do not support any violence, but the locals were agitated. People are suffering and desperate, and BJP leaders turned up there for media optics. The incident was an outcome of their own provocation." Banerjee earlier in the day had "appealed for restraint and unity" and urged people not to indulge in "any untoward incident" amid the ongoing crisis.
Governor C V Ananda Bose, who is camping in Darjeeling to monitor the situation, expressed "deep concern" over the attack and called for immediate steps to restore order.
The death toll rose to 30 in the evening after a few more bodies were recovered, Guha said, adding that at least four people were still missing and the toll could rise further as search operations continued in remote, landslide-hit zones.
Banerjee described the disaster as "man-made," blaming the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the "unrestricted" release of water that flooded vast stretches of the plains.
She criticised the Centre for its alleged lack of response in dredging operations and water management and asserted that politics must never take precedence over people's lives during such crises.
The chief minister announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the next of kin of those killed and promised a home guard job to one member of each bereaved family.
Entire hamlets in Mirik, Darjeeling and the Dooars region have been washed away, while bridges and roads were destroyed, cutting off access to several tea estates and villages. Multiple tea gardens in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts have suffered massive crop and infrastructure losses.&nbsp;

pm narendra modi

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