Bangladesh Protests Prompt Diplomatic Backlash Over Mamata Banerjee's Comments

India has received a diplomatic note from Bangladesh protesting West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's comments about sheltering Bangladeshi refugees amidst ongoing quota reform protests. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that foreign relations are the Central government's prerogative, highlighting constitutional guidelines.

India received a diplomatic note from Dhaka protesting recent comments by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding sheltering Bangladeshi students amidst quota protests, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that foreign affairs are the exclusive domain of the Central government. 'We have received a diplomatic note from Bangladesh protesting the comments made by the West Bengal CM. Under our Constitution, foreign affairs are the sole prerogative of the Union government,' Jaiswal stated.

Earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee offered 'shelter' to Bangladeshi refugees amidst the ongoing protests in Bangladesh. She urged people not to make negative comments and emphasized that her statements were grounded in humanitarian concern.

The protests in Bangladesh revolve around demands for reforming the quota system for civil service jobs. The situation escalated, resulting in violence and over 100 deaths, prompting a Supreme Court intervention to amend the quota system, as reported by Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from agencies.)