Preamble.
1. The country's interest should come first, always and every time. The logic is simple - you, as its citizen are relevant only if the country is strong and thriving. Nationalism, thus, cannot be compromised at all and this should be heeded to by political leaders despite their personal differences. The federal structure should be nurtured by the state governments - the political ideology notwithstanding - and the central government during these turbulent times so that meaningful relations, especially, with the neighbouring countries can be nurtured. The absence of such an understanding not only embarrasses the central government to do business with the countries in the neighbourhood but also sour relations if the stalemate persists over a long period, which can turn out to be detrimental to our interests.
India and Bangladesh.
2. India and Bangladesh have been cosying towards each other thanks to the excellent rapport between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. There's, but, a saying that India-Bangladesh relations run through West Bengal at the best of times! And look what the bitterness between Modi and Mamta has turned things into:-
(a) the stalled negotiations regarding the Teesta river water sharing.
(b) the stalled negotiations regarding the Ganga Barrage project.
The Convoluted Dynamics.
3. Mamta believes that any 'concession' from her side on the Teesta river water sharing agreement will result in her political doom and hence, her pussyfooting on the issue is understandable. But what defies comprehension is her non co-operation on the Ganga Barrage project which is advantageous to the state insofar as irrigation and water storage are concerned. To that extent, the state government's officials had initially joined the negotiations but have refrained from attending them, ever since the political differences between Modi and Mamta had picked up.
4. There's another sore point that has been simmering. The state has become a haven for hardline Islamic militants who've crossed over from Bangladesh. PM Hasina's crackdown on terror and fake Indian currency network have had an impact. Questions, however, linger as to whether they're being harboured by the state government.....the sad part being communal tensions are on the rise in the border areas, consequently.
The Silver Lining.
5. Last year, the Bangladeshis were the largest tourist group to India. To streamline the visa processes and enable greater travel opportunities, Bangladesh has appointed a deputy high commissioner in Guwahati. Another idea that is being keenly pursued by both the governments in New Delhi and Dhaka is for a work permit for the Bangladeshis who want to come to India for work.
Tailpiece.
For meaningful headway with regard to Indo-Bangladeshi relationship, Mamta Banerjee needs to play ball and has to be nationalistic!
1. The country's interest should come first, always and every time. The logic is simple - you, as its citizen are relevant only if the country is strong and thriving. Nationalism, thus, cannot be compromised at all and this should be heeded to by political leaders despite their personal differences. The federal structure should be nurtured by the state governments - the political ideology notwithstanding - and the central government during these turbulent times so that meaningful relations, especially, with the neighbouring countries can be nurtured. The absence of such an understanding not only embarrasses the central government to do business with the countries in the neighbourhood but also sour relations if the stalemate persists over a long period, which can turn out to be detrimental to our interests.
India and Bangladesh.
2. India and Bangladesh have been cosying towards each other thanks to the excellent rapport between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. There's, but, a saying that India-Bangladesh relations run through West Bengal at the best of times! And look what the bitterness between Modi and Mamta has turned things into:-
(a) the stalled negotiations regarding the Teesta river water sharing.
(b) the stalled negotiations regarding the Ganga Barrage project.
The Convoluted Dynamics.
3. Mamta believes that any 'concession' from her side on the Teesta river water sharing agreement will result in her political doom and hence, her pussyfooting on the issue is understandable. But what defies comprehension is her non co-operation on the Ganga Barrage project which is advantageous to the state insofar as irrigation and water storage are concerned. To that extent, the state government's officials had initially joined the negotiations but have refrained from attending them, ever since the political differences between Modi and Mamta had picked up.
4. There's another sore point that has been simmering. The state has become a haven for hardline Islamic militants who've crossed over from Bangladesh. PM Hasina's crackdown on terror and fake Indian currency network have had an impact. Questions, however, linger as to whether they're being harboured by the state government.....the sad part being communal tensions are on the rise in the border areas, consequently.
The Silver Lining.
5. Last year, the Bangladeshis were the largest tourist group to India. To streamline the visa processes and enable greater travel opportunities, Bangladesh has appointed a deputy high commissioner in Guwahati. Another idea that is being keenly pursued by both the governments in New Delhi and Dhaka is for a work permit for the Bangladeshis who want to come to India for work.
Tailpiece.
For meaningful headway with regard to Indo-Bangladeshi relationship, Mamta Banerjee needs to play ball and has to be nationalistic!
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