Sharmishtha Panoli, who faced arrest over a video related to Operation Sindoor, criticized the former Trinamool Congress-led government in West Bengal, attributing her arrest to what she called “appeasement politics.” Panoli highlighted the contrasting treatment she received compared to instances of derogatory remarks against Hindu deities by Trinamool leaders, which were defended as freedom of speech.
In recounting her arrest, Panoli emphasized that her supportive comments for the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor were misconstrued as religious intolerance. Despite issuing an apology, she was pursued by the West Bengal Police across five states, a move she deemed unnecessary and politically motivated. Panoli accused the government of misusing power and engaging in what she termed as a “political game.”
Panoli further alleged that her arrest was orchestrated to cater to a specific voter base, insinuating that it was a strategic move by the then Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. While acknowledging the need for better language in her communication, Panoli clarified that her intention was to condemn terrorism, not to offend any religious sentiments. She expressed relief at the change in government in West Bengal and commended the electorate for their support of democracy.
