Siliguri, May 17 -- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is likely to visit Siliguri for the first time after taking charge. He is scheduled to hold a high-level administrative review meeting at Uttarkanya on May 20, marking his first official tour to North Bengal as Chief Minister. Sources said the visit will be a day-long programme, with the Chief Minister expected to stay overnight at Uttarkanya. On May 21, he is likely to leave for Durgapur to attend another administrative meeting.
Confirming this, Shankar Ghosh, Siliguri BJP MLA, said: "The Chief Minister will hold an administrative review meeting at Uttarkanya on May 20."
The visit is being considered politically and administratively significant, especially after the BJP's strong performance in North Bengal in the 2026 Assembly elections, where the party secured 40 out of 54 seats in the region. Party leaders and elected representatives are reportedly optimistic about potential policy decisions and administrative changes following the Chief Minister's visit. "His speeches reflect government policy. Through his public addresses, he has repeatedly outlined his vision and plans for the development of the state," Ghosh added.
According to sources, district officials from different districts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, are expected to attend the meeting. The Chief Minister is likely to review ongoing projects as well as work undertaken by the previous government.
The meeting may also focus on allegations related to illegal activities across the districts, including land mafia operations, illegal sand quarrying, drug rackets and unauthorised constructions. Sources said the Chief Minister, who has repeatedly spoken about taking action against corruption and reopening old corruption cases, is expected to seek updates on these issues.
Preparations for the visit have already begun. Nishit Pramanik, Cabinet Minister in charge of the North Bengal Development Department, Youth Affairs and Sports, visited Uttarkanya on Saturday to review arrangements.
Police and administrative authorities have initiated security preparations, with a three-tier security arrangement and traffic restrictions expected to be implemented around the venue during the Chief Minister's visit.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.