Kolkata, 01st October: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it clear she would not intervene in the current dispute over the payment of bonuses to tea garden workers in Darjeeling, where a 12-hour general strike is in progress.
Speaking to reporters in Siliguri before her return to Kolkata, Banerjee suggested that the impasse was rooted in political disturbances, stating, “I don’t support any strike.”
She further mentioned that a tripartite meeting, including the Labour Commissioner, was already underway to address the workers’ demands, and the matter would be decided through those discussions. The bonus issue has triggered tensions in the region, leading to widespread disruption, but Banerjee emphasized that the decision-making lies with the ongoing negotiations, refraining from direct involvement.