Mamata Banerjee slams centre for excluding Bengal in India-Bangladesh treaty talks

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay on Monday over not being included in discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The talks primarily focused on water-sharing agreements, which directly impact the state. Banerjee criticized the Center for conducting talks on vital issues such as the conservation of the River Teesta and the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty without involving her government. 

She emphasized the historical and geographical ties between Kolkata and Dhaka, stressing that unilateral decisions without state consultation are unacceptable.

Water management plans

During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi announced plans for India to construct a reservoir and related infrastructure for managing Teesta River water. This move, intended for conservation purposes, has sparked opposition from Banerjee, who has long contested such agreements.

Farakka Barrage treaty concerns

Banerjee highlighted her concerns regarding the Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty, set to expire in 2026. She pointed out that this treaty, governing water sharing and impacting West Bengal's livelihoods, particularly affects issues like erosion and siltation caused by the Farakka barrage.

Appeal to protect West Bengal's interests

In her letter to PM Modi, Banerjee underscored that any decision on water-sharing treaties must consider the well-being of West Bengal's people, as diverting water at the Farakka Barrage affects Kolkata's port and the state's overall water management.