'Something happening in Delhi' over Bhutan PM's visit to Bengal for BGBS: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata, Feb 4 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that "something is happening in Delhi" over Bhutan Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay's scheduled visit to the state to attend the eighth edition of Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), which will commence on Wednesday.
Banerjee, however, did not elaborate on what she was referring to about "something happening in Delhi".
"As of now, the prime minister of Bhutan is coming to Kolkata on Wednesday. But I don't know whether Delhi (Centre) has any problem with it or not... he (Bhutan PM) had confirmed in October last year regarding his presence at BGBS," Banerjee told reporters here.
Tobgay is the special guest for the two-day business event.
"I have information that he (Bhutan PM) will be arriving here tomorrow morning. But I am also getting some information that something is happening (in Delhi), I am not certain about it... I cannot talk much about it," she said.
Banerjee, however, asserted that she was keen on Tobgay attending the two-day event because she believes that India should have a strong relationship with its "helpful" neighbours.
"I want them (Bhutanese delegation) to come here because West Bengal shares borders with Bhutan. We must develop good relationship between India and its adjacent countries, especially those that are helpful," she said.
Elaborating on the BGBS meet, Banerjee said that over 200 delegates from 40 countries will be participating in the event.
"Out of the 40 countries, 20 are partner nations. Over 200 foreign delegates will attend the event," she said.
Banerjee said that apart from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Sajjan Jindal have confirmed they would come to Kolkata to attend the event.
"All the captains of the local industry will also be present. Those who have been attending BGBS all these years will also be present this time. So, this is very unique," she said, adding that 22 ambassadors have already arrived.
Starting Wednesday, the eighth edition of the BGBS 2025, aims to promote business opportunities in the state. The event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss key sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
