The Bengal Assembly is set to honour the Indian Army for its bravery during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation that targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, which lasted three days and involved drone and missile strikes, caused significant damage to enemy bases. Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee announced that a special resolution would be introduced during the Monsoon Session beginning June 9 to formally salute the Army’s courage and expertise on the battlefield.

This tribute comes at a time when displays of patriotism are becoming more prominent across West Bengal. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, recently organised statewide rallies to honour the Army. These events are seen as a counter to the BJP’s Tiranga Yatras held in Kolkata, which aimed to show solidarity with the armed forces. However, such gestures have sparked political tensions. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC of vote-bank politics and questioned the authenticity of its patriotic events, claiming the state has become a hub for Bangladeshi infiltrators under TMC rule.

Amid this rising political rhetoric, the Congress party has also voiced concern. Pradesh Congress leader Soumya Banerjee criticised both the BJP and TMC, accusing them of using nationalism as a political tool ahead of next year’s state elections. While the Assembly’s planned resolution seeks to officially recognise the Army’s achievements, it is happening in a politically charged environment. What could be a unifying gesture of national pride is instead being overshadowed by political competition and strategic symbolism, raising questions about the true intent behind these displays of patriotism.