West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 5, 2025 —West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Monday declared that her party would stand beside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government on matters concerning national security. The statement, delivered at a press briefing in Kolkata, marked a rare moment of bipartisan solidarity amidst an otherwise deeply polarized political atmosphere in India.

Speaking to reporters at the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee said, “When it comes to national security, we are all Indians first. We may have differences in ideology and politics, but when our nation faces threats, we must unite. I want to make it very clear that the Trinamool Congress will always stand by the central government, irrespective of which party is in power, in the interest of national security.”

Banerjee’s remarks come in the backdrop of escalating tensions along the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh and growing concerns over cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While she stopped short of offering full policy support to the BJP on all fronts, her comments on national security were a pointed signal that certain issues demand unity over partisanship.

“We may criticize policies, we may oppose undemocratic actions, but when it comes to the sovereignty and integrity of our country, we will never play politics,” Banerjee added. “India’s unity and safety are paramount, and the Trinamool Congress will support all measures taken to ensure that.”

This is not the first time Mamata Banerjee has spoken in favor of a united stance on issues of national importance, but such direct support for the BJP-led government, especially on security matters, is unusual for the firebrand leader who has consistently opposed the Centre on multiple fronts — ranging from economic policies to federal rights and electoral conduct.

Sources within the TMC indicated that the party's leadership has been closely monitoring developments on the border, and Banerjee herself has been briefed on intelligence and defense inputs by state and central officials. Her statement is being seen not only as an act of statesmanship but also as a message to political opponents who have questioned her nationalist credentials in the past.

Political analysts believe Banerjee’s statement could reshape the narrative around cooperative federalism and the role of opposition parties in matters of national interest. Dr. Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury, a political science professor at Rabindra Bharati University, noted, “Mamata Banerjee has drawn a clear line between political opposition and national responsibility. This could pressure other opposition leaders to clarify their stance on similar issues.”

In New Delhi, the BJP welcomed Banerjee’s remarks. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a press conference later in the day, said, “We appreciate the statement made by Mamata Banerjee. National security is above politics. At a time when our armed forces are guarding our borders under difficult circumstances, it is important for the entire country to speak in one voice.”

However, some political observers also point out that Banerjee’s overture could be a strategic move ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal and the growing perception of the need for a centrist-nationalist image. Over the past year, the TMC has made attempts to distance itself from the broader Opposition INDIA bloc on several issues, signaling a more independent national stance.

Critics within the Congress and Left parties were quick to express skepticism. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said, “This is nothing but political posturing. The TMC cannot wash its hands of earlier compromises with the BJP when it suited them.” Congress spokesperson Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also raised concerns, accusing the TMC of trying to curry favor with the Centre while simultaneously attacking it in the state.

Despite the criticism, Banerjee’s message resonated across a wide section of the public and civil society, with many taking to social media to praise the Chief Minister for placing national interest above political rivalry. The hashtag #NationFirst trended on X (formerly Twitter), with users across party lines calling for similar gestures from other regional leaders.

As India grapples with growing geopolitical instability, Banerjee’s support for the central government on security matters may represent a pivotal moment of cooperation in Indian politics. Whether this spirit of unity will extend to other domains remains to be seen, but for now, the Trinamool Congress has sent a clear message: national security is not a matter of debate — it is a collective responsibility.