The Prime Minister also wished for Banerjee’s long life and good health.
“Happy birthday to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Didi. I pray for her well-being and longevity,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Born on January 5, 1955, Banerjee is serving her third term as CM of West Bengal. She holds the distinction of being the state’s first female Chief Minister.
Mamata has been elected to the Lok Sabha seven times and has also held the position of a union cabinet minister.
The birthday message from PM Modi arrives amid ongoing political tensions between the two leaders, who have frequently criticized each other as the West Bengal elections in 2026 draw near.
PM Modi has been vocal in his criticism of Mamata and her Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration, pointing to a lack of development. He has advocated for a change in governance, asserting that the state’s economy would thrive under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership.
Mamata, in turn, has condemned the PM and the BJP, claiming mistreatment and harassment of Bengali migrant workers. These individuals are reportedly labeled as infiltrators and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.
Another point of contention between the two is the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state. The Opposition, including TMC, has accused the Election Commission of colluding with the ruling Centre to manipulate electoral rolls.
The West Bengal Assembly elections for 294 seats are anticipated to take place in April-May later this year.
