in a strong message to the GJM, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said that West Bengal and Darjeeling were inseparable.
"Darjeeling is the heart of Bengal. I am not against anyone. I am with the people of the hills. It is the motherland. Bengal cannot stay without you, nor can you stay without us," Banerjee told the first rally in the hills of the ruling Trinamool Congress at the Mall here.
Without naming the GJM which has recently backtracked from its politics of shutdowns and violence to demand Gorkhaland,, the Banerjee said her government would not allow disruption of normal life in the name of bandhs which, hindered peace and development.
"My government's policy is that there should be no bandhs and strikes," the Chief Minister said pointing out that there was also a court order against it.
"If there are only bandhs, how can development take place? If Kanchenjunga smiles I feel great. But if Kanchenjunga cries, then I feel pain," Banerjee said.
Stating that students lost a year if the educational institutions in Darjeeling remained closed for a month, she said "I want peace, progress and development in Darjeeling.
"Let us live together. Let us forget quarrels and let us work together for the development of Darjeeling," Banerjee appealed.
