Debate Over North Bengal's Status Heats Up

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar's proposal to include northern West Bengal under the Ministry of DoNER has reignited calls for a separate state of Cooch Behar by BJP MP Ananta 'Maharaj'. Despite clarifications that the proposal doesn't intend to divide West Bengal, it has sparked mixed reactions and political controversy.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar's recent proposal to include northern West Bengal under the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) has triggered fresh calls for a separate state of Cooch Behar. These demands were raised by BJP MP Ananta 'Maharaj'.

Majumdar, in a video statement, emphasized that his proposal aims at facilitating development funds for the region and has nothing to do with dividing the state. However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions within the party and has been termed as 'utopian' by some BJP members, while West Bengal BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya clarified that the party doesn't favor Bengal's bifurcation.

The ruling TMC has accused the BJP of attempting to divide the state due to its poor performance in recent elections. The debate over separating north Bengal has intensified since the BJP's loss in the 2021 assembly elections, with some leaders previously suggesting the creation of a Union territory in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)