Kolkata, May 29 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to gain political mileage out of 'Operation Sindoor' - the Centre's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.

"The Centre named the (military offensive) ‘Operation Sindoor' for political gains ahead of upcoming elections (in various states),” she alleged.

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Addressing his first rally in West Bengal since the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' earlier this month, the PM invoked the region's deep cultural and emotional connection with vermilion, referring to the traditional ritual of 'Sindoor Khela' observed by Bengali women during Durga Puja, to reinforce India's hardened stance against terrorism.

"I am disappointed that Modi criticised Bengal at a time when all-party delegations are visiting different countries (to support the Centre's anti-terror stand, especially after the Pahalgam attack)," Banerjee said.

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)