Jalpaiguri, April 19 -- Divisions among Kamtapuri organisations have led to a fragmented Rajbanshi vote bank across North Bengal in the ongoing Assembly elections. Despite a shared demand for a separate Kamtapur state and inclusion of the Kamtapuri language in the Eighth Schedule, political alignments among these groups vary widely, resulting in a sharply divided electoral presence.
Different Kamtapur outfits have adopted distinct strategies. While some have aligned with regional parties, others have partnered with Gorkha factions or are contesting independently while maintaining tacit support for larger parties like the BJP or Trinamool Congress (TMC). This divergence has effectively split the traditional Kamtapuri-Rajbanshi vote into multiple camps.
The Kamtapur State Demand Council (KSDC), led by Tapati Roy Mallick, is contesting independently in 35 seats across North Bengal. Mallick herself is contesting from the Maynaguri constituency. The KSDC has fielded candidates against the BJP in the plains.
Explaining the decision, Mallick said the Centre has yet to disclose the outcome of peace talks held with KLO chief Jibon Singha. "With no concrete response before the elections, we have fielded candidates in line with the people's wishes," she stated.
The Kamtapur Progressive Party (KPP), originally formed by late leader Atul Roy, is now split into factions. One faction, led by his son Amit Roy, has fielded candidates in two seats in South Dinajpur while extending support to TMC candidates in several constituencies, including Maynaguri. Another faction has reportedly pledged support to TMC in nearly 30 seats where it claims organisational strength.
Meanwhile, Nikhil Roy's Kamtapur People's Party (United) is contesting 15 seats in alliance with regional parties. "We have always aligned with regional forces and not with national parties," Roy said.
With multiple Kamtapuri groups contesting against one another, the electoral landscape in North Bengal has become increasingly complex. Major political parties are actively attempting to capitalise on these divisions to consolidate support among Kamtapuri and Rajbanshi voters.
The fractured scenario has left many voters in a dilemma-whether to support candidates from their own community organisations or align with mainstream political parties. The true impact of this division on the vote bank will become clear when results are announced on May 4.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.