On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that he would deliver a durable political resolution for the hill areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong without carving them out of West Bengal if the Bharatiya Janata Party secures power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking at a public meeting in Gangarampur in West Dinajpur district, Shah stated, “The political solution to the demand of our Gorkha brothers will be achieved without separating the hills from West Bengal. At the same time, the overall development of the entire North Bengal will be our topmost priority. We will be setting up four major townships in North Bengal.”
Although the Minister reaffirmed his intent to resolve the long-standing issue, the Union Home Minister did not specify how he would implement such a settlement, particularly given the continuing demand for a separate Gorkhaland state. Shah instead outlined a broader development roadmap for North Bengal, focusing on strengthening infrastructure and expanding opportunities across sectors.
Major Projects Announced
Detailing proposed initiatives, Shah announced the establishment of key institutions and facilities in the region, including an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), an Indian Institute of Management (IIM), a sports university, a tribal university, an eco-adventure hub, and a 600-bed cancer hospital aimed at enhancing regional growth. He further indicated that the government would incorporate the Rajbongshi language, widely used in North Bengal, into the Eighth Schedule in recognition of its cultural significance.
During his address, Shah targeted the administration led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging that it had not provided the necessary land for strengthening border infrastructure. He claimed that the state government had not allotted 600 acres to the Border Security Force (BSF) to install fencing along unfenced stretches of the India-Bangladesh border within the state.
Reaffirming his party’s position, Shah stated that a BJP government in West Bengal would act promptly on these issues, prioritising both governance and national security.
“If we (BJP) come to power in West Bengal this time, we will allot the land to the BSF within 45 days. The BJP has resolved that after the formation of the new government, it will expel each and every infiltrator from the entire West Bengal and the country. These infiltrators are dangerous to the security of our country. They are snatching away the employment of our youth. They are eating the rice meant for the poor,” the Minister asserted.
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