West Bengal Assembly passes resolution against attempts to divide Bengal
The Hindu
Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba said the demand for Gorkhaland had nothing to do with division of territory of West Bengal but about demerger of territory that was merged with West Bengal after Independence
A resolution against attempts to divide Bengal was passed by voice vote in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Monday. The motion was tabled by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Satyajit Barman under Rule 185 of the Procedures and Conduct of Business of the State Assembly and evoked sharp discussion in the Treasury and the Opposition benches.
West Bengal Ministers Firhad Hakim and Sovandeb Chattopadhay spoke in favour of the motion and said that the development needs of the people of north Bengal can be addressed but any attempts to divide the State will be resisted. MLAs from Darjeeling, Neeraj Zimba and Kurseong Bishnu Prasad Sharma, raised the pitch for the demand of Gorkhaland.
Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba said that the demand for Gorkhaland had nothing to do with division of territory of West Bengal but about demerger of territory that was merged with West Bengal after Independence. Mr. Zimba, who represents the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), pointed out that Darjeeling was an integral part of Sikkim and the demand for demerger is within the ambit of the Constitution.
Speaking against the resolution, Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma said that it’s the Parliament that is empowered by the Constitution on the issue of creation of a separate State and the resolution could not be discussed in the Assembly.
Mr. Sharma, who emphasised that the people of the constituency had voted for him to raise the issue of Gorkhaland, called for a referendum on the issue of a separate State. “This is not important — what the BJP or the Trinamool Congress thinks about the issue — but what people of the region feel. You [the State government] can have a tripartite meeting set up by DGHC (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) or GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration). Why can’t we have a referendum?” he asked.
Mr. Hakim emphasised that the people of the State were willing to die but would not be allowed any division of West Bengal. The Minister said that since the 1980s, when the agitation for a separate State of Gorkhaland was started by Subhash Ghising of the GNLF, the BJP had made attempts to divide West Bengal. Mr. Chattopadhyay said the division of the State was a sensitive issue. He admitted there were issues related to the development of the region but after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had assumed office, the development needs had been addressed.
BJP MLAs who participated in the debate neither supported nor opposed the motion, claiming that the language of resolution was “unclear”. BJP MLA Dipak Barman spoke about the lack of educational and health facilities in north Bengal, and Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly Suvendu Adhikari termed the motion a “political stunt” ahead of the panchayat polls.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.
Bengaluru police questioned a man carrying ₹6 lakh for medical expenses at Vidhana Soudha, later releasing him after verification.
BJP accuses Bengaluru's Congress government of corruption in e-Khata issuance, halting infrastructure projects due to financial mismanagement.
Misinformation in Hyderabad sparks panic buying, causing disruptions as residents react to unfounded rumors of an impending lockdown.
Bengaluru Metro extends services until 2 a.m. on March 28 for IPL match, ensuring convenient travel for spectators.
A bus truck-collision in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district, killing several. Catch LIVE updates here!