BJP’s MP Sukanta Majumdar has ignited controversy all across Bengal after he proposed to merge North Bengal with the North Eastern States for development funds. But what is the intrinsic motive behind such statements over a region where they already have a strong foothold?
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The Proposal of North-South Divide
The North-South divide of Bengal has always played a central role in discussing the geographical and political difference the regions have, and this has re-escalated after the statements of the BJP MP. Many times North Bengal has alleged deprivation of attention from the state, where the capital of it lies in the South- Kolkata. The question of separate statehood has always been present in North Bengal.
Sukanta Majumdar, while talking to PM Narendra Modi said that he proposed North Bengal to be a part of North East India as it shares similarities with it. He concluded that if North Bengal, while still being a part of West Bengal can be included under the Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the region can receive more development funds. He further said that the state government might not oppose this idea since it will be a development of the state.
A Misinterpretation of Sukanta’s Stateme
His remarks, as foreseen, was widely misinterpreted and a debate followed. The Trinamool Congress has tagged Sukanata’s remarks as “secessionist” and compelled Sukanata to issue a clarification.
Sukanta while issuing the clarification said that he never talked about dividing Bengal, as he only proposed to make North Bengal a part of DoNER, as inclusion to it will ensure greater funds allocation to the region for its development.
The TMC responded with the harshest reaction to the proposal and flagged it as “secessionist” and “anti-Bengal”.
Interestingly, CPI(M) leader Ashok Bhattacharya has backed the BJP’s idea and said it was floated by the Communist Party decades ago.
The History of the North Bengal-divide
The aspiration of bifurcating the northern region from the rest of West Bengal isn’t new, as the differences between North and South Bengal has always been significant.
Historically, North Bengal has stood out from the southern parts of the state due to its unique geographical, cultural, and economic landscape, as well as its diverse ethnic makeup. The region, bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, boasts significant tribal and ethnic diversity, sparking periodic discussions about its autonomy.
Ethnically, North Bengal has a substantial population of migrants from Bangladesh, which contrasts with the demographics of South Bengal and the state’s tribal belt.
The Darjeeling-based Gorkhaland movement, which has caused unrest in the hills for many years, is also part of North Bengal. Additionally, there is a linguistic divide between the regions.
Proponents of bifurcation argue that integrating North Bengal with the northeastern states could foster economic development, improve infrastructure, and allow for more targeted governance, taking advantage of central government schemes designed for the northeastern states.
