Amit Shah's 'Ae Didi' Remark Triggers TMC's Response in Bengal

The term 'Didi', meaning elder sister in Bengali, has once again gained prominence in the West Bengal elections as Union Home Minister Amit Shah employed it in a critical jibe aimed at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a rally. Shah's phrase, 'Ae Didi, aankh aur kaan khol ke sun lo', which translates to 'open your eyes and ears and hear this, Didi', suggested that Banerjee's tenure was facing an end as voters prepare to cast their ballots. This statement drew swift condemnation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which perceived it as reminiscent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Didi O Didi' from the 2021 campaign, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misogyny.

As the campaign for the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections concluded on Tuesday evening, Amit Shah delivered a pointed address in West Medinipur. He claimed that the TMC's time was concluding and declared, 'Tata, bye-bye Didi, aapka samay samapt hua,' translating to 'your time is up'. Shah accused the TMC of causing distress among the populace, stating it was time for the BJP to take charge.

In response to Shah’s comments, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose openly critiqued the Union Minister’s statements, labelling them both indecent and revealing. Ghose contended that Shah prioritises fervent campaigning rather than focusing on governance. She highlighted the BJP's supposed 'Nari Shakti' (women's power) rhetoric as insincere, asserting, 'In Parliament, they raise slogans of Nari Shakti and Nari Samman (respect for women), but in reality, they neither believe in Nari Shakti nor respect it.'

The TMC further defended Mamata Banerjee’s position as a senior political figure, underscoring her role as a long-serving MP and chief minister. The language used by Shah was viewed as a deliberate attempt to undermine her dignity, according to TMC minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. She remarked in a Bangla video, 'Today, our home minister once again called our respected CM 'Ae Didi'. This was not said unintentionally; it reflects a recurring pattern.'

Bhattacharya expressed confidence that Shah’s rhetoric would not resonate with the electorate, stating, 'He said “open your eyes and ears”; I tell him to listen now: Bengal will respond to this appropriately.' She highlighted the importance of valuing women's respect and insisted that the people's response would manifest through their voting power.

Analysts noted that PM Modi's earlier 'Didi O Didi' remarks from the 2021 campaign may have tarnished the BJP's reputation. Despite the party improving its electoral tally, Banerjee secured her third term with a significant majority, with her party branding the Prime Minister's words as a slight against the 'daughter of Bengal'.

Amit Shah's address was not limited to personal attacks; he also took a firm stance on matters of national security and law enforcement. He warned, 'Mamata’s goons' to remain indoors on election day, asserting, 'We will track them down even from the netherworld and send them behind bars.' He reiterated the BJP's commitment to removing 'infiltrators', referencing allegations of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Additionally, he addressed the electorate, stating, 'Today, I am going to tell the infiltrators that the counting is on May 4, and on the 5th, the BJP government will be formed. Get ready to go to Bangladesh quickly.' Polling for the first phase is scheduled for April 23, with the second phase set for April 29. In preceding weeks, tensions escalated as PM Modi labelled the TMC as anti-women, while Mamata Banerjee pointed to the disparity in female representation in their respective parties, noting that nearly 40% of TMC MPs are women, compared to less than 13% in the BJP.