West Bengal Legislative Assembly Stands United Against State Division

West Bengal's legislative assembly passed a resolution against any attempted division of the state, focusing on the inclusion of North Bengal in the northeast council. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leaders agreed on a unified stance, emphasizing Bengal's integrity and development.

The West Bengal Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to oppose any division of the state, responding to the Centre's reported move to include North Bengal in the northeast council. The resolution stated, "We will protect any kind of division of the State at any cost."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reiterated this sentiment during her speech, stating, "We will not allow the partition of West Bengal." The motion was laid under rule 185 by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay and supported by ministers Aroop Biswas, Dr. Shashi Panja, and Biplab Mitra.

BJP MLAs protested the motion's language, arguing that it implied a veiled attempt to separate North Bengal. Opposition Leader Subhendu Adhikari clarified that the move was about securing a portion of the budget allocated for northeastern states. Adhikari proposed that if the resolution against the division of Bengal was made simpler, the BJP would support it fully.

Responding to his proposal, CM Banerjee asked Speaker Biman Banerjee to simplify the resolution language. She expressed support for a united Bengal, emphasizing that a strong state contributes to a strong nation.

CM Mamata Banerjee also highlighted the inclusive nature of Bengal, stressing that all communities co-exist peacefully. She opposed the idea of including Bengal in the northeast council, pointing out that it serves only the eight northeastern states. Rashtriya Secular Majlis Party (RSMP) MLA MD Nawsad Siddiqui and other leaders also voiced their support for a united Bengal.

Chandrima Bhattacharya, a minister from West Bengal, criticized the BJP's intentions, accusing them of trying to divide the state. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister confirmed that a modified resolution, including a substitute motion by Subhendu Adhikari, was passed under rule 185, signaling a unified stand against the division of Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies.)