 "Mamata rackes up border enclave issue, Teesta water-sharing")
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today picked on border enclaves and Teesta water-sharing during her Lok Sabha election campaign in Cooch Behar district, which shared a border with Bangladesh.
Banerjee told an election rally here that her government would take a view on the enclaves issue after ascertaining the wishes of the people residing in adversely possessed areas.
In 2011, Banerjee, then an ally of the Congress-led UPA government, had backed out from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh opposing the Teesta water-sharing treaty between India and the neighbour.
She said that a state government was in office which should be informed and consulted.
"I love 'chitmahal' (people living in the enclaves). But I give justice. But I do not do anything unilaterally without thinking of the people," she said.
Accusing the local BJP of trying to rake up the enclaves issue to gain votes, she said that the previous Left Front government had not done anything either, but her government was undertaking survey and census.
She said "There is one from BJP here who could not be seen throughout the year. But when election comes rake up the enclave issue and try to divide the people of Coochbehar and Bangladesh to reap benefit in votes."
Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chairperson, had expressed strong reservations over the introduction last December of the Land Boundary Agreement Bill in the Rajya Sabha which envisaged exchange of about 161 enclaves adversely held by India and Bangladesh.
Banerjee told an election rally here that her government would take a view on the enclaves issue after ascertaining the wishes of the people residing in adversely possessed areas.
In 2011, Banerjee, then an ally of the Congress-led UPA government, had backed out from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh opposing the Teesta water-sharing treaty between India and the neighbour.
Also Read
Touching on Teesta water-sharing and defending her stand on the issue, Banerjee said "Why did I speak out on Teesta (water sharing)? Now you are seeing that Teesta has dried. Situation has been made such that in the coming days drinking water will not be available."
She said that a state government was in office which should be informed and consulted.
"I love 'chitmahal' (people living in the enclaves). But I give justice. But I do not do anything unilaterally without thinking of the people," she said.
Accusing the local BJP of trying to rake up the enclaves issue to gain votes, she said that the previous Left Front government had not done anything either, but her government was undertaking survey and census.
She said "There is one from BJP here who could not be seen throughout the year. But when election comes rake up the enclave issue and try to divide the people of Coochbehar and Bangladesh to reap benefit in votes."
Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress chairperson, had expressed strong reservations over the introduction last December of the Land Boundary Agreement Bill in the Rajya Sabha which envisaged exchange of about 161 enclaves adversely held by India and Bangladesh.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%