Mamata RULES OUT division of West Bengal

With the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha renewing the demand for Gorkhaland in Darjeeling following United Progressive Alliance unanimously endorsing creation of a separate Telangana state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday ruled out division of West Bengal and blamed the Congress for the agitation in the hills.

"Darjeeling is part and parcel of West Bengal. There is no question of division of West Bengal. We are united, we will be united and we will be together," Banerjee told a press conference in Kolkata.

Apparently referring to the recent visit by a six member GJM team headed by its General Secretary Roshan Giri to Delhi with the Gorkhaland demand, Banerjee alleged, "I am sorry to say ... I will write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh whether it was a right step or not that some central ministers invited three or four Morcha leaders to Delhi some days back”.

"A meeting was also held with them. They have reported back that some Central leaders have advised them to revive their movement in Darjeeling hills. There was also an assurance of according autonomy to them," Banerjee said.

"A Union Territory without taking consent of the state? It is funny. Is it a lollipop in a child's hand?"

Stating that peace had been prevailing in Darjeeling and would continue, she said, "I request the Centre that has responsibility to see that peace is not disturbed in Darjeeling." 

Image: Supporters of Gorkhaland protest during a fast in Siliguri ijn this December, 2009 photograph

Photograph: Reuters