Last updated:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (PTI)
Banerjee defended her comments, claiming she was familiar with the “federal structure” and suggested the MEA should focus on learning from the system rather than criticizing her
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday rebuked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for opposing her remarks on providing shelter to refugees from violence-hit Bangladesh.
Banerjee defended her remarks, claiming she was familiar with the “federal structure” and suggested the MEA should focus on learning from the system rather than criticizing her.
“I know the federal structure very well. I have served as MP seven times and as Union minister twice. I know MEA policies better than anyone. They should not lecture me; they should learn from the system,” West Bengal CM said in response MEA.
Banerjee's comments
At an event in Kolkata on Sunday, Banerjee said she would open West Bengal's doors to Bangladesh's troubled people and provide them shelter amid violent clashes in the country over employment quotas.
“I should not talk about the affairs of Bangladesh because that is a sovereign country… but I can tell you that if helpless people knock on the door of Bangladesh, we will definitely provide them with shelter,” she reiterated her promise .
MEA's response
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal disagreed, saying such matters involving external relations were entirely within the jurisdiction of the central government.
“I can confirm that we have received such a letter from Bangladesh. This is basically consistent with what is described in the report,” Jaiswal commented at a media briefing.
“I would like to emphasize that in accordance with the Seventh Schedule of our Constitution – List One – Union List – Item 10, the conduct of foreign affairs and all matters bringing the Union into relations with any foreign country are the sole responsibility of the Union Government Privilege, “he stressed.
Bangladesh has been locked in deadly clashes with protesting students demanding the Sheikh Hasina-led government scrap its controversial employment quota system. The conflict, which began weeks ago, has left more than 100 people dead.
(Inputs from PTI)
