BJP non-committal on separate north Bengal state demand

SNS, SILIGURI, 6 NOVEMBER 2022 : State MP president Sukanta Majumdar today made it clear that his party has yet to take a concrete stance on the issue of the proposed separate state of North Bengal.

At a time when the call for separate state or Union territory of North Bengal is now a focus of discussion in this region, the state BJP president Mr Majumdar today said he was not in a position to make a statement about it officially.

"We don't have any information about partition of Bengal. But it is true a section of people have raised a demand following deprivation of this region. Not only North Bengal but also a section of people raise the same issue even in Jangalmahal," Mr Majumdar said, adding,

"If the Centre decides to consider the demand of the people and create a separate state, it would be executed after discussing the issue with the state government."

Notably, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, during her visit to Siliguri, a few days ago, reminded people of the "partition of Bengal' and warned that she would not allow anyone to divide Bengal.

The state BJP president also pointed out he has a 'personal' relation with Rajbanshi leader Ananta Maharaj, who is also leader of Greater Coochbehar People's Association, that has been demanding their past glory back and dreams of an 'independent state.

The BJP leadership including West Bengal observer Sunil Bansal came to Siliguri and north Bengal to review the organizational situation to take on the Trinamul Congress in the next rural polls to be held in 2023.

Mr Bansal will also visit other districts of North Bengal.