In the elation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to Dhaka, with media from both the countries following his every move, the Teesta river crisis found special mention and focus. There is a tinge of disappointment in the manner the most important problem was handled by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Several media sources have quoted as “saddened” by the chief minister's 'studied silence' on the issue. While newspapers like the “Daily Observer” carried a long story about the drastic fall in the Teesta water level and how it is affecting the environment, a “Daily Star” editorial has decidedly been more direct, calling the Bengal Chief Minister's silence hurtful, especially after her promises.
"Mamata Banerjee's assurance in February this year, during her last visit, that we should have faith in her on the Teesta water-sharing deal was a very positive signal for us that a seemingly intractable problem was going to be resolved at last. We are disappointed that we heard nothing from her in this regard in her present visit. The resolution seems not likely soon, primarily because of Paschim Banga's politics," the paper wrote. "While Modi's confidence on Teesta is heartening, it is predicated on the support of Paschim Banga. Thus our call to Paschim Banga chief minister to rise above petty party politics for the sake of good neighbourliness."
