Mamata Banerjee vows to resist division of West Bengal amid calls for new union territory
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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared her party's strong opposition to any attempts to divide the state.
Speaking in the state Assembly during the monsoon session, she emphasized that the Trinamool Congress would fiercely resist such moves.
Banerjee's comments come in response to recent remarks by BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey, who suggested the creation of a new Union Territory by splitting districts from Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Gouri Sankar Ghosh, a BJP legislator from Murshidabad, expressed support for Dubey's proposal.
Banerjee highlighted her stance at a recent NITI Aayog meeting, advocating for the establishment of an India-Bhutan River Commission similar to the existing India-Bangladesh River Commission. She underscored the unique geographical challenges West Bengal faces, particularly water-logging, due to its boat-like shape.
The Chief Minister also criticized the central government's handling of water-sharing agreements, specifically concerning the Teesta River and its implications for West Bengal. She accused the Union government of neglecting flood prevention funding for West Bengal, while allegedly supporting neighboring states.
Banerjee expressed disappointment over the BJP's perceived neglect of North Bengal's development despite strong electoral support in the recent Lok Sabha elections, highlighting ongoing concerns over regional neglect and resource allocation.