Will not support forces dividing West Bengal, says Mamata Banerjee

Chopra: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she will never support the division of the state and urged all political parties in the Hills to restore peace and normal life in Darjeeling, where the indefinite shutdown entered its 48th day.

"Whatever happens, everyone should remember that I am ready to give up my life but I will never support dividing (the state) into parts. Every district is our asset. People from every religion, caste will be here,” she said.

"This is India. It is our duty to protect it, not to divide it. I love the Hills like all other districts of West Bengal. But people must remember that the Hills are a part of West Bengal and will remain so in the future," she said in a rally here in North Dinajpur this afternoon. The chief minister said that she would do everything for the development of Darjeeling but not anything which may lead to a riot or create disturbance among the people.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is spearheading the shutdown in Darjeeling to press for the demand for a separate Gorkhaland. She requested political parties and leaders in the Hills, to "be calm and help in restoring normal life in Darjeeling”.

“I want the Hills to get back to normal life. I want the tea gardens to start their operations. Darjeeling tea is a global brand, do not spoil it,” Ms Banerjee said. The chief minister said that a political movement should be for the welfare of the people but the ongoing one by the GJM is “only for the sake of politics”. 

“Today tea garden workers are not getting food. Students are unable to go to their schools and colleges. Tourism is getting affected. Why are you (GJM) in such a movement? There is no fault of the common people. They have not done anything wrong,” she said.