Political Firestorm: Amit Shah's 'City of Slums' Remark Sparks Outrage in Bengal

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited a political firestorm with his comments branding Kolkata a 'city of slums' under the governance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the previous Left Front government. Addressing an election rally, Shah accused the TMC of utilizing infiltrators as a vote bank and promised to restore what he termed Kolkata's lost glory.

The remarks drew strong rebuttal from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which accused Shah of insulting the citizens of Bengal. In a sharply worded response, the TMC described Kolkata as the 'City of Joy' and rebuked Shah for his disdain towards its residents.

This exchange has added tension to an already charged election campaign in West Bengal, as the BJP attempts to gain a foothold by accusing the TMC government of encouraging infiltration. Both parties remain entrenched in a battle over the state's cultural and political identity.

(With inputs from agencies.)