Comments on Bangladesh were distorted: Mamata
Diplomatic Correspondent
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that her comments regarding Bangladesh were distorted.
"Don't teach me about federal jurisdiction. I was also a cabinet minister in the union government... Whatever I said, that was on humanitarian consideration. Don't impute motive," she told journalists in New Delhi.
Mamata reached Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in the NITI Aayog meeting for the allocation of state funds.
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson clarified that the union government of India has the sole authority when it comes to matters of foreign affairs. No state government can say anything on this issue.
When drawn attention to the MEA comment, visibly angry Mamata asked where the federal structure was when the union government unilaterally decided on the Teesta and Ganges river agreement ignoring the state government.
She said the BJP is doing politics and misleading Bangladesh.
Justifying her comments, the chief minister said, “It’s mentioned in the United Nations charter if anyone seeks shelter, neighbours should give it. Where is my fault?”
