Guwahati, Aug 13 (IANS) The deep historical and cultural ties between Assam and West Bengal have come to the fore once again, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extending Rs 10 crore in assistance to Assam amid the state’s continuing flood crisis.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed gratitude to the West Bengal Government and people, describing the assistance as a gesture of solidarity from a neighbouring state with which Assam shares deep historical and civilisational links.
Taking to X, Sarma said the relationship between the two states goes beyond geographical proximity and has been shaped by shared culture, heritage and longstanding people‑to‑people connections.
“There has long been a deep spiritual bond between Assam and West Bengal. This relationship has been forged by our shared culture, heritage, and the heartfelt ties between the people of the two states,” Sarma said.
He said the Rs 10 crore contribution from the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Relief Fund would support Assam’s ongoing flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The assistance comes at a critical time for Assam, where floods have affected large areas of the state, disrupting normal life and damaging homes, infrastructure, agricultural land, and livelihoods.
Sarma said the gesture reflected the spirit of neighbouring states standing together during a difficult period. He also invoked the cultural and spiritual connection between the two regions, praying for the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and Maa Kali to give people the strength to overcome the crisis.
Expressing his appreciation to Adhikari and the people of West Bengal, Sarma said such cooperation demonstrated the strength of the relationship between the eastern states.
“When neighbours stand together, Eastern India grows stronger, and a stronger East strengthens India,” the Assam Chief Minister said, linking the gesture to the broader idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
The latest assistance also highlights the wider inter‑state solidarity emerging during Assam’s flood emergency, with support for the affected population extending beyond the state’s administrative boundaries.
For Assam, the contribution is expected to add to ongoing Government‑led relief and rehabilitation measures, while also reinforcing the importance of cooperation between neighbouring states in responding to recurring natural disasters.
The gesture has given a fresh dimension to Assam‑West Bengal ties, combining immediate humanitarian support with the shared cultural and civilisational connections between the two states.
–IANS
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