Malda, April 9 -- Residents of Chanchal subdivision in West Bengal's Malda district have renewed their demand for the grant of municipality status to the town, saying the issue has remained pending for several years despite repeated assurances from political leaders.

Speaking to ANI, a resident of Chanchal said a municipality would help improve development in the area by increasing access to government funds.

"Everyone knows if a municipality is established, government funding will be provided, and the grants will increase... In 2011, when the left front government was in power, Chanchal was declared a subdivision. At that time, it was also announced that a municipality would be set up here. However, the left government lost power, and ...