Why is Bengal CM Not Attending the Security Council Meeting in Ranchi?
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Synopsis
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has opted out of the Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Ranchi. With Chandrima Bhattacharya representing the state, the reason for her absence ties into a significant pre-scheduled meeting with Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister. This raises questions about regional political dynamics and priorities.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee will not attend the Eastern Zonal Council meeting.
- Chandrima Bhattacharya will represent West Bengal.
- The meeting is chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- The council includes Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- Political analysts suggest the absence is due to a meeting with Omar Abdullah.
Kolkata, July 9 (NationPress) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not participate in the Eastern Zonal Council meeting set to be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which is happening in the capital city of Jharkhand, Ranchi, on Thursday.
Instead, the representation for the West Bengal government will come from Chandrima Bhattacharya, the Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), as confirmed by a state Cabinet member who wished to remain anonymous.
In addition to West Bengal, officials from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha will also be present at the meeting.
While Mamata Banerjee, along with the Chief Ministers of the other three states, received an invitation for the gathering, she is unable to attend due to a prior commitment. The Cabinet member explained, "However, due to a previously scheduled meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the State Secretariat Nabanna on Thursday afternoon, she will not be present. Chandrima Bhattacharya will represent West Bengal instead."
This is not the first time Chief Minister Banerjee has missed zonal council meetings.
Political analysts speculate that her absence from the Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Ranchi is primarily due to her scheduled discussion with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
West Bengal Ministers and senior leaders from the Trinamool Congress remain tight-lipped about potential topics of discussion between the two Chief Ministers.
Following the tragic incident in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed by terrorists, the Trinamool Congress dispatched a five-member delegation to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation.
During this visit, the delegation also met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who acknowledged and appreciated CM Mamata Banerjee's decision to send her party's delegation in light of the Pahalgam massacre.
The Eastern Zonal Council includes the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, and is one of six zonal councils across the nation.
Point of View
The absence of West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from the Eastern Zonal Council meeting illustrates the complex interplay of regional politics. While attending such meetings is crucial for collaboration among states, the choice to prioritize a meeting with another Chief Minister reflects strategic political calculations. As a nation, we must consider how these decisions shape inter-state relations and the broader governance landscape.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mamata Banerjee not attending the Eastern Zonal Council meeting?
Mamata Banerjee is unable to attend due to a previously scheduled meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Who will represent West Bengal at the meeting?
Chandrima Bhattacharya, the Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge), will represent West Bengal at the meeting.
What states are involved in the Eastern Zonal Council?
The Eastern Zonal Council comprises West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
What was the reason for the Trinamool Congress delegation to Jammu and Kashmir?
The delegation was sent to assess the situation following the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam.
How many zonal councils are there in India?
India has a total of six zonal councils.
