Withdraw extension of BSF's jurisdiction in WB: Mamata

MAMATA MEETS MODI: CM SAYS DO NOT DISTURB FEDERAL STRUCTURE; INVITES PRIME MINISTER TO INAUGURATE BENGAL BIZ SUMMIT NEXT YEAR

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to withdraw the extension of BSF’s jurisdiction in Bengal alongside extending a warm invitation to the Prime Minister to inaugurate the Global Business Meet in the state scheduled to be held next year in April.

Banerjee also told Modi that the federal structure of the country should not be disturbed in any manner.

“I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today over a number of state-related issues. We also spoke on the BSF’s jurisdiction extension issue and demanded that this decision be withdrawn,” she said.

The Chief Minister further mentioned that she expects that the Prime Minister’s presence at the summit will boost the business possibilities not only in the state but in the entire country.

“We all know how the pandemic has hit the country’s economy. I believe, the business summit will be a significant move to pump up the business possibilities,” Banerjee added.

At the same time, she also asserted that the Centre must not disturb the federal structure. She said: “I urged the Prime Minister that the federal structure must not be disturbed.

If the Centre needs help from the state police force, the authority will put in all efforts to help them.”

Reportedly, Banerjee further told the Prime Minister that if the law and order is solely a state subject and if this equilibrium is changed, it will then lead to an obvious confrontation. She demanded the amendment to the BSF Act be withdrawn immediately.