Mamata Banerjee upset over being left out of India-Bangladesh talks: report
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Kolkata: As India and Bangaladesh held extensive talks during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is upset over having been left out of consultation on certain key decisions between two countries, NDTV reported citing sources.
She is reportedly displeased at having not considered her government’s views regarding issues that impact the state government significantly.
The key reason for her displeasure is the joint statement by both countries over the Farakka Agreement, which will expire in 2026.
Both India and Bangladesh have decided to renew it alongside addressing the issues related to the prevailing agreement.
It is reported that the agreement ‘impacts West Bengal to a large extent’ with Mamata Banerjee expressing her displeasure at having not taken the state government's views over it.
During their meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, PM Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed to form a Joint Technical Committee to begin discussions to renew the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996.
The Farakka Barrage in West Bengal, where Ganges flows into the neighbouring country, is key in ensuring water diverted into the Hooghly River thus help functioning the Kolkata Port alongside serving the water needs of urban areas along Hooghly-Bhagirathi river, including Kolkata.
Another issue that has upset the West Bengal chief minister is the agreement on the Teesta water issue and the decision to send a technical team to the neigbouring country for discussing Teesta River water sharing.
The Mamata administration has concerns regarding the sharing of Teesta waters as well, according to the report.