West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday, 20 September 2026, announced that his government would withdraw all cases filed against participants in the Kurmi movement, while pledging ₹50 crore for the Kurmi Development Board. The announcements came during the Karam Mahasamabesh cultural programme at Karadi Maidan in Purulia-I block, Purulia district.

Key Announcements at Purulia Conclave

Adhikari declared that the Kurmali language would be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, a longstanding demand of the Kurmi community. He also committed to securing Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the community, reiterating that the state government would send a 'Further Common Justification Report' to the Centre to formally list the Kurmi community as a Scheduled Tribe.

The Chief Minister pledged that residents of Bankura and Purulia districts would no longer feel marginalised, speaking in the presence of Ajit Mahato, a prominent advocate for Kurmi rights.

Sharp Attack on Previous Trinamool Government

Adhikari launched a pointed attack on the preceding All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration, accusing it of deliberately isolating the Jangalmahal region by stoking conflict between the Kurmi community and other communities. 'When you protested, they were tortured. The police were used. False cases were filed. Even children and the elderly were not spared,' he said, alleging that the previous government 'repeatedly lied, created discord among indigenous people, and tried to divide Jangalmahal.'

He further criticised the earlier administration for what he described as 'selling hills,' promising that no natural resources would be auctioned under his tenure.

Infrastructure and Development Pledges

Beyond the political commitments, Adhikari outlined a slate of development measures for the region. He announced that arrangements were underway to launch flight services in Purulia, renovate the Purulia zoo, and even bring cheetahs to the district. He noted this was the first time a Chief Minister had been invited as chief guest to the Karam Mahasamabesh.

Significance for Jangalmahal

The Kurmi community, concentrated largely in the Jangalmahal belt spanning Purulia, Bankura, and parts of Jharkhand, has long demanded ST status and recognition of the Kurmali language. The movement has historically been a flashpoint, with protests in recent years drawing large-scale police action under the previous administration. Notably, the state's decision to move a 'Further Common Justification Report' signals a formal escalation of the ST demand at the central level — a step that, if accepted by the Centre, would carry significant electoral and administrative consequences.

What Comes Next

The withdrawal of cases against Kurmi protesters will require formal legal procedures, and timelines have not been specified. The ₹50 crore allocation for the Kurmi Development Board is subject to budgetary clearance. The Eighth Schedule inclusion for Kurmali and the ST listing for the community both ultimately require Central approval, making the Centre's response the critical next step in this political and cultural process.