PM Modi Extends Birthday Greetings to Mamata Banerjee; Silence from Bengal CM Sparks Political Buzz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended birthday greetings to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, wishing her good health and a long life. Banerjee, who turned 71 today, was born on January 5, 1955, and is currently serving her third term as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

In a post on social media, the Prime Minister addressed her respectfully as “Mamata Didi” and wrote, “Birthday greetings to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Didi. I pray for her good health and long life.” He also tagged the Chief Minister in his message.

However, nearly three hours after the Prime Minister’s post, there was no public response from Mamata Banerjee. Her silence triggered political speculation and social media reactions, with supporters of the Prime Minister praising his gesture, while critics questioned Banerjee’s decision not to acknowledge the message.

Mamata Banerjee, a seven-time Lok Sabha MP and former Union Cabinet Minister, is the first woman to serve as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. She is also known as one of Prime Minister Modi’s most vocal political critics. The rivalry between the two leaders was particularly visible during the West Bengal Assembly elections, when both sides exchanged sharp attacks during campaign rallies.

Despite their intense political and ideological differences, both leaders have often maintained a degree of personal courtesy. In the past, they have exchanged greetings on birthdays and festivals, and Banerjee has even sent traditional gifts such as mangoes to the Prime Minister, underlining that their differences are ideological rather than personal.

Whether the absence of a response this time signals a deeper political message or is merely a matter of timing remains unclear. Nonetheless, the episode has once again drawn attention to the complex and often tense relationship between the Centre and the West Bengal government.