Kolkata, 4 February (H.S.): Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was invited as a key guest at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) in Kolkata. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed uncertainty about his visit. On Tuesday, she stated that while the King had confirmed his attendance in October last year, there is now some doubt about his arrival.

Speaking to reporters at Nabanna, Mamata said, The King of Bhutan had confirmed to me last October that he would come. But now, I don’t know what discussions are happening with Delhi! As of now, I know he is coming. When asked if the central government might be obstructing his visit, Mamata replied cautiously, I am not saying that.

The Bhutanese King arrived in India on Monday and participated in a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He was scheduled to leave for Kolkata afterward, but his visit is now uncertain.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who recently secured a major victory in the state elections, has also been invited as a chief guest at BGBS. Notably, Mamata Banerjee attended Hemant’s swearing-in ceremony in Ranchi, which was postponed to the evening to accommodate her schedule. His presence at BGBS is being seen as a symbol of regional party unity ahead of the Bengal elections.

When King Wangchuck arrived in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, he was dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire ‘Gho’ and ‘Kera’. However, during his Mahakumbh bath, he was seen wearing a saffron kurta and pajama while participating in rituals alongside Yogi Adityanath.

Mamata’s doubts over his visit have been termed politically significant, especially with the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled next year.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh