Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday to discuss potential business opportunities and investment prospects in the state.
In a post on her official X account, Banerjee shared details of the meeting, stating, “Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, visited me at Nabanna this afternoon. While it was a courtesy visit, we discussed the business opportunities in Bengal and their investment intentions here.”
Banerjee elaborated on various ongoing and upcoming projects in the state, reassuring Birla of the government’s support. “They have ongoing and pipeline projects worth Rs 5,000 crore in sectors such as cement and paint manufacturing. They are also planning to open a world-class educational institute in the city and have other plans for new investments. We discussed all this, and I assured him of our support,” she added.
On the previous day, Banerjee stated that her government would oppose any agreement between India and Bangladesh regarding the Teesta River. She argued that sharing Teesta water would lead to “depriving north Bengal of water.”
Addressing the legislative assembly, Banerjee said, “My government will oppose any agreement between India and Bangladesh on the sharing of Teesta river water, as it would mean depriving north Bengal of water.”
She criticized the central government, stating, “Without consulting West Bengal, they are proceeding with the Teesta Water Treaty. Why are they allowing 14 hydro power plants on the Teesta River in Sikkim? I have repeatedly said that there is not enough water in the Teesta River, and we cannot supply water to Bangladesh from it. If we do, most areas of north Bengal will face a water crisis. This is a one-sided decision.”
Additionally, Banerjee condemned BJP leaders who have demanded the incorporation of north Bengal into northeastern states, asserting, “We will never let this happen.”
