BJP Legislator Advocates for North Bengal's Statehood in Assembly
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Synopsis
On February 20, a BJP legislator in Kolkata proposed the demand for separate statehood for North Bengal. Expressing the sentiments of her constituents, she highlighted various issues faced by the region. The state's minister attributed the demand to the BJP's fear of electoral losses in the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- BJP legislator Sikha Chatterjee demands North Bengal's statehood.
- The demand is based on public sentiment, not personal wishes.
- Issues include river erosion and unemployment affecting locals.
- State minister attributes demand to BJP's electoral fears.
- Growing popularity of CM Mamata Banerjee in North Bengal.
Kolkata, Feb 20 (NationPress) A BJP female legislator on Thursday brought forth the demand for distinct statehood for North Bengal during the discussions in the West Bengal Assembly.
"If the development of North Bengal cannot be ensured, then relinquish that duty. Let North Bengal be its own state," stated Sikha Chatterjee, the representative from the Dabgram-Phulbari constituency in Jalpaiguri district, while engaging in a debate regarding the state Budget proposals for 2025-26, which happened to be the last day of the initial phase of the budget session.
In subsequent comments to the media, the MLA emphasized that the call for separate statehood is now a collective demand from the residents of North Bengal, not merely her personal wish.
"As a public representative, I am expressing the views of my constituents. The grievances of the North Bengal populace are numerous, ranging from riverbank erosion to unemployment. The residents are genuinely aggrieved due to the state's negligence in resolving these issues," Chatterjee remarked.
She further added that if the state government cannot address these concerns, it may be more prudent for this region to come under central administration. "The people of North Bengal seek development, and as their elected representative, it is my responsibility to voice these public opinions," Chatterjee asserted.
In reaction to the demand, state Agriculture and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay remarked that the push for separate statehood reflects the BJP's apprehension of an electoral setback in that area during the significant Assembly elections of 2026.
"The popularity of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in North Bengal is steadily rising due to the beneficial effects of the state’s development initiatives on the livelihoods of the people. The BJP recognizes that their candidates are likely to lose in most constituencies in North Bengal in 2026. Hence, they are now resurrecting the demand for a separate statehood for the region, a call they have made in the past as well," he stated.
