Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, addressed a public meeting in Kurseong, outlining the Bharatiya Janata Party’s roadmap for West Bengal ahead of upcoming elections.
Speaking in the Darjeeling hills, Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal and called for an end to the tenure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the current administration had failed the people of the region and accused it of injustice towards the Gorkha community.
A key highlight of his address was the assurance that a BJP government would resolve the long-pending Gorkha issue within six months, stating that the solution would align with the aspirations of the Gorkha people. He also criticised both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress, alleging that they had historically neglected Darjeeling and North Bengal.
Shah announced a series of welfare and development measures, including a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000 for women and unemployed youth across Bengal. He also promised structural reforms in tea garden areas, including land ownership rights for workers, housing pattas, and wage hikes within two years.
On infrastructure and development, Shah said the BJP would establish an AIIMS in North Bengal, a 500-bed cancer hospital, and premier institutions such as IIT and IIM. He also proposed a dedicated sports university for Gorkha youth and outlined plans to develop Darjeeling as a hub for eco, adventure, and heritage tourism.
Addressing law and order concerns, Shah referred to incidents like Sandeshkhali and alleged that the election was crucial to ending what he described as TMC’s “misrule.” He also warned of strict action against alleged political violence and assured that cases against Gorkha individuals would be reviewed and withdrawn within a specified timeframe if the BJP assumes power.
Shah further claimed that welfare schemes currently in place would not be discontinued but would be implemented more effectively under a BJP government.
The rally in Kurseong is part of BJP’s broader outreach in North Bengal, a region considered politically significant in determining the electoral outcome in the state.
