Despite CPM member Narayan Jain claiming the organisation to be a non-political one, the presence and involvement of leftists at the inauguration of the parishad was conspicuous.

“The parishad is an important step towards improving relations between Rajasthani and Bengali communities. Rajasthanis residing in Bengal are equally contributing in the development of West Bengal,” said Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The chief minister condemned the incidents of animosity between Biharis and Marathis and said that every Indian citizen has the right to live anywhere within the country.

“It is the cultural tradition of West Bengal that people of all communities live in harmony and such incidents are unthinkable in the state,” Bhattacharjee added. Left Front chairman Biman Bose also lauded the formation of the parishad. The inauguration was attended by guests like MP Salim, MP Sudhanshu Seal, MP Prashanta Chatterjee, CPM party secretary of Rajasthan Basudev Acharia and CPM state committee member Robin Deb.

“The object behind the formation of this parishad is to strengthen relations, exchange and promote culture of both the states,” said MP Hannan Mollah, convener of the parishad.

Rajasthan Bengal Maitri Paishad will not only help in promoting business activities between both the states, but also aims to promote tourism, socio-cultural activities, education and vocational training.

Mollah said, “We have seen people from other states facing problems in Maharashtra and Assam. Even people from West Bengal sometimes have to face problems in other states, as they are branded as Bangladeshis.”