Darjeeling stir: CPI (M), BJP fueling unrest in West Bengal, says chief minister Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the opposition BJP and CPI (M) trying to fuel Darjeeling unrest on Wednesday.

Banerjee further added that the state government will never allow division of West Bengal.

“BJP is trying to divide the country. They are acting as a catalyst in fueling the ongoing unrest in the Darjeeling hills,” said the West Bengal chief minister

She added, “Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai is pride of the state. The saffron party is trying to divide Bengal.”

Targeting the CPI (M) she said, “There is no difference between the CPI (M) and BJP).

The Banerjee said, “The CPI(M) when in hills talks about division and in plains they take out rallies for one Bengal.”

Life in Darjeeling hills has been affected due to the undeclared bandh there, she had said and urged the hill parties to shun violence and come to the discussion table, for which the government was ready.

Such kind of agitation in the hills has become common in a 10-15 year interval and there had been a loss of Rs 550 crore and that the state administration had shown restraint, she had said at the house.

The indefinite shutdown in the hills is on for a straight 56 days over the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state, which is being spearheaded by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

(With inputs from PTI)