A fresh political controversy has erupted ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a sharp remark targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her past injury incidents.

During a campaign speech, Shah accused Banerjee of indulging in “victim card politics,” claiming that she often projects herself as injured or unwell during election periods to gain public sympathy. His remarks have triggered strong reactions from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

‘Breaks her leg during elections’: Shah

Addressing party workers and supporters, Amit Shah alleged that Mamata Banerjee tends to highlight injuries around election time. He referred to past incidents, including the 2021 West Bengal elections, suggesting that such episodes were politically motivated.

Shah said that people of Bengal have now understood this pattern and would not be influenced by what he described as “sympathy politics.” He further criticised Banerjee for allegedly attacking constitutional institutions like the Election Commission during the ongoing poll season.

The BJP leader’s comments are part of a broader campaign strategy aimed at questioning the credibility of the TMC leadership.

Mamata cites medical proof, hits back

Responding strongly to the remarks, Mamata Banerjee defended herself, stating that her injuries were genuine and medically documented. She asserted that she had “fought to the death,” referring to the severity of her injuries during previous campaigns.

Banerjee highlighted doctor reports and hospital treatment records to counter Shah’s claims, insisting that the allegations were insensitive and politically motivated. She accused the BJP of trivialising serious incidents for electoral gain.

Background: 2021 injury controversy

The debate traces back to the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, when Mamata Banerjee sustained a leg injury while campaigning in Nandigram. She later continued campaigning in a wheelchair, which became a major talking point during the election.

At the time, the incident had sparked political controversy, with rival parties questioning the circumstances, while TMC leaders maintained that it was a genuine attack.

War of words intensifies before polls

The exchange between Amit Shah and Mamata Banerjee reflects the increasingly heated political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Both BJP and TMC have been engaging in sharp rhetoric as they seek to influence voter sentiment.

Shah has also released a detailed “chargesheet” against the TMC government, accusing it of misgovernance and corruption, while Banerjee has countered with allegations of bias and interference by central agencies.

The ongoing war of words underscores the high stakes involved in the upcoming elections.

High-stakes battle in West Bengal

West Bengal is set to witness a multi-phase election in April 2026, with intense competition between the BJP, TMC, and other political alliances.

Political analysts believe that narrative battles, including issues like leadership credibility and governance, will play a crucial role in shaping voter choices.

 Narrative vs sympathy politics

The controversy over Shah’s remarks has added another dimension to the election campaign, turning personal attacks into a key talking point. While the BJP continues to question Mamata Banerjee’s political strategies, the TMC is using the issue to portray the opposition as insensitive.

As campaigning gains momentum, such exchanges are likely to intensify, keeping the political discourse in West Bengal highly charged in the run-up to the polls.