Mamata livid after Centre excludes Bengal govt in talks with Bangladesh
The interest of people in Bengal is paramount, which should not be compromised at any cost, said the chief minister in a letter to PM Modi
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (June 24) expressed “strong reservation” over the Centre excluding the state government from discussions with Bangladesh regarding Teesta water sharing and the Farakka Treaty.
In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee urged him to not hold any such discussion with the neighbouring country without involving the West Bengal government.
“I am writing this letter in context of the recent visit of Prime Minister of Bangladesh. It seems that water sharing issues relating to the Ganges and Teesta rivers may have been discussed during the meeting. Such unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and the opinion of the state government is neither acceptable nor desirable,” she said in a three-page letter to Modi.
Bengal has a very close relationship with Bangladesh – geographically, culturally and economically, she noted.
“I love and respect people of Bangladesh and always wish for their well-being... I convey my strong reservation that no discussion on sharing of Teesta water and the Farakka Treaty should be taken up with Bangladesh without the involvement of the state government. The interest of people in West Bengal is paramount, which should not be compromised at any cost,” Banerjee said.
(With agency inputs)