Raising concern over China’s “growing interference” in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee discussed the issue “in detail” with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, reported the Indian Express quoting sources.
In a letter to Singh, Banerjee pointed at the “strategic importance” of the Siliguri Corridor or the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ which links the north eastern states to the rest of the country.
A state home department official told IE that “it will be a great cause of concern if China is found to be influencing the unrest in Darjeeling” and that the state must be “made a party by the Centre” when it comes to foreign policies with countries that neighbour West Bengal.
Trinamool Congress’ general secretary and West Bengal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee had earlier said that there is “definitive proof” of support from outside to the unrest in Darjeeling – where the demand for a separate Gorkhaland turned violent after Gorkha Janmukti Morcha called for a shutdown in the hills last month.
The CM also said that the state has never refused additional forces from the Centre.
There is no question of not taking forces from the Centre. The issue doesn’t pertain to just Bengal, but the entire country. But when we speak of forces, we are given reasons such as that the forces are needed elsewhere.Mamata Banerjee to IE
“All-Out-Fight” Against Modi: Mamata
The Trinamool Congress has decided to launch an "all-out fight" against the Modi government in the monsoon session of Parliament and corner it over its alleged "failures" in dealing with issues like the Darjeeling crisis, standoff with China and GST.
We will play an aggressive role in Parliament. We are ready to go to jail, but will not bow our heads. Clear instructions to go for an all-out fight against the Modi government for failing to tackle major issues which are a matter of concern for the internal and external security of the country.Mamata Banerjee
Banerjee, after voting for UPA’s presidential candidate Meira Kumar, lashed out at the Centre saying it has ruined the country’s relationship with its neighbours – Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. She said that her state is the “worst sufferer”.
She also urged voters to not “support the BJP and stand besides the people”.
(With inputs from ANI)
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