Mamata Was With Darjeeling Movement; But We Are Not In Favour Of Any Division: Dilip Ghosh

“Mamata Banerjee has lost the confidence of people...We are not in favour of separation.”

Kolkata: After multiple separatist claims by BJP leaders like John Barla and Soumitra Khan, West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday not only dismissed any claims of favourability towards “Bongo-Bhongo” or partitioning Bengal but also went on to slam Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee accusing her to be a part of the Gorkhaland movement in Darjeeling.

He has also accused her of sheltering Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader, Bimal Gurung.

“Who wants to divide Bengal? Mamata Banerjee was with the movement in Darjeeling. She had signed the agreement with GTA with their demand for Gorkhaland. BJP never did that. We have been called 'Separatists' when one of their leaders (Bimal Gurung) came with us.  Now he is under her shelter. The people of Bengal have realized all this, which is why they (people of North Bengal) have given an answer to them.” Ghosh told reporters.

Dismissing BJP legislator John Barla’s separatist claims, Ghosh has said, “Anyone can raise question on this in the Parliament. We are not in favour of any division.”

Barla, Lok Sabha minister from Alipuduar had been demanding a separate Union Territory by partitioning North Bengal from South. Following him, another BJP leader and Lok Sabha MP from the Bishnupur Constituency of West Bengal, Soumitra Khan had also raised demands for a separate Junglemahal state.

His claims and demands were also cast aside by Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday.

“No one has claimed to divide West Bengal. The claims people of North Bengal and Junglemahal are of deprivation since Independence. That's why they are casting their votes to the opposition party to get freedom. It is clear that people don’t have faith in state government. It should work for these people and return their rights.”

Earlier he had mentioned, "Some people are making such claims due to remorse after the election loss. These are absolutely individual claims. The party has no say in it."

Ghosh further slammed Mamata Banerjee accusing her of not fulfilling election promises and complaining about a “shortage of money”.

“Before election Mamata Banerjee told women they would be given Rs. 500.  She gave once and took votes. After the election now she is claiming that there is a shortage of money. Thousand rupees allowance has been given to tribals. Now she is claiming a shortage of money. People are raising their voices against this type of deception.” He said.

However, TMC has clarified that it stands with every leader who is in unison against any division of West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has earlier said, "We will not allow anyone to divide Bengal”.