West Bengal demography may change like Assam's, warns Governor KN Tripathi

Expressing concern over the changing demographic pattern in the country, West Bengal Governor KN Tripathi on Wednesday warned that the "situation in the state might turn like Assam, if not controlled."

"The situation in Assam is not reversible. The situation in Meghalaya and nearby states will also not be reversible if not controlled now. Bengal's situation might also become like that of Assam," he said at a programme to mark the birth anniversary of Jan Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

The issue is not of religion but of nationality, he said adding that "separatist mentality is developing in our minds." If this is allowed to increase, the country might reach a point where it might get divided, the Governor said recalling Dr Mukherjee's contribution in the Kashmir issue.

Nationalism, which is without religion and caste, is the only solution to destroy the seeds of separatism, the Governor said. Stating that research institutes and universities should be set up in the name of Dr Mukherjee, he said the mystery surrounding his death should also be solved.