BJP trying to divide Bengal: Mamata

Kolkata, March 21 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday accused the BJP of trying to break West Bengal, a day after its Darjeeling candidate termed the demand for Gorkhaland as "not unconstitutional".

"BJP says it is in favour of smaller states. One fine day you will wake up to see Bongaon, Barasat etc all have become new states. I sternly warn you against dividing my state - my Bengal. Keep away from Bengal," Banerjee said during Trinamool workers' meeting in Barasat of North 24 Parganas district.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) nominee for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat S.S. Ahluwalia - seemingly batting for Gorkhaland - Thursday said the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's demand for a separate state was not unconstitutional.

The GJM has been spearheading the movement for a separate state of Gorkhaland, which it wants to be carved out of northern West Bengal's Darjeeling district and parts of Jalpaiguri district.

Banerjee accused the BJP of conniving with the Congress to "illegally" pass the Telangana bill. She also claimed the bill will be declared illegal if challenged in a court.

"The BJP and the Congress went into a tie-up to pass the bill to gain electoral benefits. If the bill is challenged in court, it will be declared illegal," she said.

Banerjee also said the Trinamool Congress will be releasing its manifesto Saturday.