Kumar Mangalam Birla Discusses Investment Plans with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla Group, met West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to discuss investment prospects. Projects worth Rs 5000 crore in cement and paints manufacturing were highlighted. Banerjee assured support while opposing the Teesta Water Treaty, fearing water shortage in north Bengal.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, held discussions with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, focusing on potential business opportunities and investment prospects in the state. In a post on her official social media account, Banerjee shared, 'Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla group, met me at Nabanna today afternoon. While this was a courtesy visit, he discussed with me the business opportunities in Bengal and their investment intentions here.'

Detailing various ongoing and planned projects, Banerjee assured Birla of the government's support. 'They are having ongoing/in-pipeline projects worth Rs 5000 crore in different sectors like cement and paints manufacturing. They are also planning to open a world-class educational institute in the city and they have other plans too for fresh investments. We discussed all this and I assured him of our support,' she stated. This meeting took place a day after Banerjee confirmed her opposition to any India-Bangladesh agreement on Teesta River water sharing, citing potential water shortages for north Bengal.

Addressing the legislative assembly, Banerjee reiterated her opposition to the Teesta Water Treaty. 'My government will oppose any agreement between India and Bangladesh over sharing of the Teesta river water, as sharing of Teesta water will mean depriving north Bengal of water,' she remarked. She further criticized the central government's approach, stating, 'Without consulting West Bengal, they're pushing forward with the Teesta Water Treaty. Why do they allow 14 Hydro Power Plants on Teesta in Sikkim? I am repeatedly saying that there is not enough water in Teesta River and we can't supply water to Bangladesh from it. If we will supply water to Bangladesh, then most areas of North Bengal will face a water crisis. This is a one-sided decision.'

In a separate discourse, Banerjee condemned the BJP leaders for demanding the annexation of north Bengal to north-eastern states, emphatically declaring, 'We will never let this happen.' (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)