Try boating in Yamuna: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee takes swipe at PM Modi as he enjoys boat ride in Hoogly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a boat ride in West Bengal`s Hooghly river on Friday. Pic/ PM Modi on X

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River in West Bengal due to its clean waters, unlike the polluted Yamuna in Delhi.

Addressing an election rally in Howrah, Banerjee alleged that the Yamuna's condition reflected poor governance under the BJP, claiming the Prime Minister would not be able to undertake a similar ride in the national capital, the PTI reported.

She welcomed Modi's visit to the Hooghly, noting that riverfront areas had been beautified by the state government and civic bodies, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Watch | PM Modi takes boat ride in Hooghly

Takes aim at BJP on multiple fronts

Responding to Modi's remarks on women's safety, Banerjee urged him to compare West Bengal with BJP-ruled states such as Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, alleging frequent incidents of violence against women there.

She also raised issues like the Hathras case and the ongoing unrest in Manipur, questioning the Centre's silence, PTI reported.

Allegations over SIR, political attacks

Banerjee accused the BJP and the Election Commission of India of causing distress to people through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming several deaths were linked to the exercise.

She also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over alleged remarks targeting TMC workers, questioning whether such statements were appropriate for a Union minister.

Mamata confident of electoral win

According to the news agency, while expressing confidence in her party's prospects, Banerjee said the All India Trinamool Congress would secure a decisive mandate in the ongoing Assembly elections.

She dismissed the BJP's chances in several districts and said high voter turnout indicated strong public opposition to the SIR exercise.

Jabs on culture, governance

Banerjee also accused the BJP of interfering in Bengali food habits and culture, while defending Kolkata's status as a leading industrial city. She ended on a lighter note, offering to cook traditional fish curry for Modi.

Later in the day, Banerjee held a roadshow in Bhabanipur, from where she is contesting the elections.

(With PTI inputs)