Sukanta seeks N Bengal schemes; conspiracy to split state, says TMC
Times of India | 25 July 2024
Kolkata: MoS for development of north eastern region (DoNER), Sukanta Majumdar, met PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday to advocate for separate development schemes for north Bengal, similar to those for northeastern states.
Trinamool Congress questioned why the junior minister focused only on north Bengal and not the entire state, hinting at a conspiracy to divide Bengal.Majumdar argued that north Bengal should be included in centrally funded schemes for the northeastern region. “North Bengal districts have similarities with northeastern states. There will be immense development in north Bengal if they benefit from the schemes allocated for the northeastern states,” he said. His statement came a day after TMC accused central govt of neglecting Bengal in the 2024-25 Budget while allocating substantial funds for the northeastern states.
“I have provided a detailed presentation. The northern districts in Bengal are significantly underdeveloped. I proposed that these districts be included in the list for northeastern states,” Majumdar added. “If Centre includes north Bengal districts on par with the northeastern states, the flow of funds to these districts will improve drastically. I hope state govt will not object to this,” he added.
Trinamool alleged that Majumdar’s move aimed to divide Bengal. “This is a secessionist move by a Union minister. He has violated his oath of office under the Constitution. North Bengal is an integral part of the state. Even the PM cannot accept such an unconstitutional and illegal demand. This is an evil design by BJP to bifurcate Bengal as they have faced humiliating defeats since 2011,” said Trinamool MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy.