Bangladesh protests West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s remark

New Delhi, July 25

Bangladesh has sent a diplomatic note to protest against the words used by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who four days ago had said: “Would keep the doors of my state open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.”

Kerala Foreign Secy appointment ‘intrusion’

On the Kerala Government appointing a secretary for ‘external cooperation’, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “Our position is that state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction.”

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “I can confirm such a communication has been received from Bangladesh.” They have protested on the words used, he said.

“We have been able to arrange for the safe return of 6,700 of our students” he added. Asked about the Kerala Government appointing a Secretary for External Cooperation, Jaiswal said the Constitution clearly specified that foreign affairs and all matters, which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country were the sole prerogative of the Centre. “Our position is that state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction,” he added.