West Bengal assembly unanimously passes resolution against efforts to divide state
Times of India | 5 August 2024
West Bengal assembly KOLKATA: West Bengal Assembly showed a rare moment of unity between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by unanimously passing a resolution against any attempts to divide the state. This development comes amid accusations that the BJP has been supporting demands for dividing West Bengal. Both parties expressed their commitment to the state's integrity, emphasizing development, especially for the northern regions.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while speaking on the motion, underscored the importance of maintaining the state's unity.
"We believe in cooperative federalism. We are opposed to any attempt to divide the state," Banerjee declared.
She also highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Bengal.
"Bengal has fought for India's freedom and Bengal's culture and heritage are important for the entire country... Let us work together for the development of northern West Bengal. Don't judge our commitment towards the region only by funds under the North Bengal Development Department," she said.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari proposed adding a specific line to the motion to ensure it reflected their stance on the state's unified development.
"We want overall development of a united West Bengal," Adhikari suggested.
He noted that the motion, as initially presented, resembled a political pamphlet and believed it would pass unanimously if his proposed line was included. The proposal was accepted by Banerjee, leading to the unanimous passage of the resolution.
The resolution arose amid calls from various groups for creating a Union territory that would include districts from northern West Bengal. The ruling TMC moved the resolution under Rule 185, spurred by comments from Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, who suggested including northern West Bengal under the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER). This suggestion reignited demands for a separate state of Cooch Behar, championed by BJP MP Ananta Maharaj.
Some BJP leaders have called for creating a separate Union Territory of North Bengal. Nonetheless, Adhikari clarified that Majumdar had never supported dividing the state.
"He (Sukanta Majumdar) had never spoken about dividing the state. He had spoken about funds for the development of northern West Bengal. If amending the Constitution brings more funds for the region, then the North Bengal Development Department will have more funds," Adhikari explained.
Adhikari also pointed out an encounter between Banerjee and Ananta Maharaj, a strong advocate for a separate state of Cooch Behar, suggesting it might be contradictory.
Banerjee responded, "What is the problem in meeting Ananta Maharaj? He called me for a cup of tea. You (Suvendu) can call me to your home for a cup of tea and I will come."
Such a resolution had been previously passed by the West Bengal Assembly via voice vote in February last year, also opposing attempts to divide the state.