Cooch Behar, Sept. 1 -- Amid a shifting political landscape in West Bengal, the BJP on Tuesday took control of the Mathabhanga-I Panchayat Samiti in Cooch Behar district, forming a new board and ending a prolonged administrative deadlock.
Babu Barman was elected president of the Panchayat Samiti, while Bipin Barman became the vice-president. The development marks another shift in the political equation at the local administrative level.
The Panchayat Samiti had reportedly been facing an administrative standstill for a considerable period. Following the change in the political situation, several members, including the then president, had allegedly stopped attending the office regularly. As a result, routine administrative work was affected, causing difficulties for residents in accessing various public services.
The BJP claimed that the formation of the new board brought an end to the deadlock.
Newly elected president Babu Barman said, "The common people were facing difficulties. Keeping their problems in mind, the process of forming the new board was completed today. My main objective is to work for the people in accordance with the responsibilities entrusted to me by the party. We will make every effort for the development of the area."
Mathabhanga-I Panchayat Samiti has 30 seats. In the 2023 Panchayat elections, the Trinamool Congress won 25 seats and the BJP five, following which the TMC formed the board. However, after the Lok Sabha elections, two BJP members joined the TMC.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.