Controversy Ignites Over North Bengal's Inclusion Under DoNER Ministry

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar proposed including northern West Bengal under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) for regional development, sparking controversy. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) labeled it as a move to separate the region from the state, calling it unconstitutional.

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar sparked controversy on Wednesday by proposing the inclusion of northern West Bengal under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He suggested this would boost regional development by tapping into specific funds allocated for the northeastern region.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) quickly denounced the proposal, labeling it an attempt to divide the state. Senior TMC leader and MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy criticized the move as unconstitutional and an evil plan by the BJP to destabilize the state, which has seen the party lose elections since 2011.

Majumdar, who is also the state BJP chief, clarified that the idea was aimed solely at development and not at dividing the state. The debate over the separation of north Bengal has persisted since the BJP's defeat in the 2021 assembly elections, with some BJP leaders earlier suggesting creating a Union territory from north Bengal districts. The TMC has previously accused the BJP of inciting separatism.

(With inputs from agencies.)