Mamata Banerjee Opposes Teesta Treaty, Criticizes BJP's Bengal Division Plans

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee strongly opposed any India-Bangladesh pact on Teesta River, citing water scarcity in North Bengal. She condemned BJP's proposals to alter Bengal's territorial boundaries and criticized the central government for flood relief fund disparities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday declared her state's opposition to any agreement between India and Bangladesh on the Teesta River, stating that sharing water would deprive North Bengal residents. Addressing the legislative assembly, Banerjee emphasized, "My government will oppose any agreement over the Teesta river water, as it would mean depriving North Bengal of essential resources."

Criticizing the central government, she added, "Without consulting West Bengal, they plan the Teesta Water Treaty. Why permit 14 Hydro Power Plants on Teesta in Sikkim? There's not enough water in the river, and sharing it would cause a crisis in North Bengal. This is a one-sided decision." Banerjee also slammed BJP leaders for proposing the incorporation of North Bengal into northeastern states, asserting, "We will never allow this."

Addressing the State Legislative Assembly, Banerjee accused BJP of attempting to divide Bengal, declaring, "We will protest against this; the people of Bengal will protest against this. I'm elected by the people of Bengal; it's my duty to protect the state." She criticized BJP MLAs, stating, "They lack the courage to face reality, opting for media attention instead of addressing state issues."

Her comments followed a letter by BJP's West Bengal State President Sukanta Majumdar to PM Modi, demanding the incorporation of North Bengal with northeastern India. Banerjee also hit back at BJP's Nishikant Dubey's proposal to declare Malda and Murshidabad as Union Territories, accusing BJP of defaming Bengal.

In the NITI Aayog meeting, Banerjee proposed forming an Indo-Bhutan river commission to address flood issues in Bengal, directing state officials to resolve these issues with central departments. She criticized the allocation of flood relief funds, noting, "While states like Assam and Bihar receive ample funds, Bengal is neglected." Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a significant budget allocation for flood mitigation projects in Bihar.