Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 14: Union home minister Amit Shah stated that if the Bharatiya Janata Party comes to power in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections, it will work towards a lasting political resolution for the hill regions of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong without separating them from the state.

Addressing a public rally in Gangarampur in West Dinajpur district, Shah said the proposed solution would address the long-standing demands of the Gorkha community while keeping the hills within West Bengal. He also emphasised that the overall development of North Bengal would remain a top priority, including plans to develop four major townships in the region.

However, he did not provide specific details on how the proposed political settlement would be achieved, even as the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state continues to remain a key issue in the region.

Shah further outlined a series of development promises for North Bengal, including the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology campus, an Indian Institute of Management, a sports university, a tribal university, an eco-adventure tourism hub, and a 600-bed cancer hospital.

He also announced that the Rajbongshi language, widely spoken in North Bengal, would be considered for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Criticising the current state government led by Mamata Banerjee, Shah alleged that land had not been allotted for fencing work along the India–Bangladesh border. He claimed that if the BJP forms the government, the required land would be provided within 45 days.

He also asserted that a future BJP government would take strict action against illegal infiltration, arguing that it poses a threat to national security and local employment opportunities.