Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma intensified his election campaign in the hill town of Kalimpong on Saturday, focusing strongly on the Gorkha community and tea plantation workers while seeking support for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Addressing a public rally in support of BJP candidate Bharat Chhetri, the former Indian hockey team captain and Olympian, Sarma outlined welfare initiatives undertaken in Assam and contrasted them with governance in West Bengal. His speech formed part of a broader campaign effort in north Bengal, where he has been active since Thursday.
Comparison Between Assam and Bengal on Community Development and Funding
Sarma drew a direct comparison between Assam’s development model and the situation in West Bengal, particularly focusing on autonomous governance structures. He highlighted the example of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), formed for the Bodo community, stating that the Assam government allocates around ₹3,000 crore to it and has transferred several departments to ensure self-governance. In contrast, he alleged that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in West Bengal receives significantly lower financial support, estimated between ₹150 crore and ₹200 crore. He also accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of mismanagement of GTA funds, though these claims have been politically disputed.
Tea Workers, Land Rights, and Development Promises in Focus
A major portion of Sarma’s address focused on tea plantation workers, a key demographic in both Assam and West Bengal. He claimed that Assam has already provided land rights to around three lakh tea workers and is continuing the process, while criticizing West Bengal’s approach to tea estate management. According to Sarma, the Trinamool Congress government is encouraging the transfer of tea estates for tourism, hotels, and industrial use, which he argued undermines the rights of workers. He asserted that the BJP would ensure that tea workers retain first rights over garden land and benefit directly from development policies.
Political Pitch for BJP Expansion and Hill Development Promise
Sarma also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to resolving long-standing demands in the Darjeeling hills, stating that a permanent political solution would be pursued within the constitutional framework if the party comes to power in West Bengal. He highlighted that Gorkhas in Assam have been included under protected class status and are supported through dedicated development councils. Later, speaking at rallies in Dinhata and Sitai in Cooch Behar, he expressed confidence that the BJP would achieve a strong electoral performance in both Assam and Bengal, claiming that public sentiment was shifting in favour of his party ahead of upcoming elections.
