BJP Criticizes Mamata Banerjee's Response to Darjeeling Landslide Amid Festivities

West Bengal BJP President Shamik Bhattacharya has sharply criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her handling of the recent landslide disaster in Darjeeling. Speaking about the government's response, Bhattacharya condemned Banerjee for opting to attend the Durga Puja carnival amid a crisis that has left North Bengal struggling.

Bhattacharya accused the Chief Minister of insensitivity, arguing that her focus on festival celebrations overshadowed the more pressing governance issues during natural disasters. He went further to label the state government's disaster management efforts as inadequate, suggesting they had learned little from past events such as Cyclone Amphan. "This is no time for celebration; the priority should be with the people," he asserted.

With heavy rains triggering landslides, the region has seen the collapse of infrastructure and multiple fatalities, prompting ongoing rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The rescue teams have evacuated scores from the flood-affected areas, highlighting a dire situation exacerbated by disrupted access routes, further complicating relief efforts in the region.