Siliguri, Nov. 3 -- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday indicated that elections to the Kolkata and Howrah civic bodies would be held before the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) polls, which he hinted would take place in February 2027. He made the remarks during his visit to Siliguri.

During his visit, the Chief Minister chaired a number of meetings at Uttarkanya. For tea garden workers, the Chief Minister announced Rs 5,000 each for 19,524 workers of 21 closed gardens, along with 50 kg of additional free rice per family for Diwali. The Centre had also approved a Rs 313-crore development plan for tea garden workers, the CM said.

A meeting was held with Rajbanshi and Kamtapuri community representatives. They placed a 70-point charter of demands to the Chief Minister. Rajbanshi leader Banshibadan Barman welcomed assurances regarding the revival of the Rajbanshi Language Academy and Development Board. He stated that the CM has assured a detailed meeting regarding this on November 24 in Cooch Behar.

However, Kamtapuri leader Biren Narayan Roy alleged that Kamtapuri representatives were sidelined. He argued that Kamtapuri, with historical roots dating back to the 13th century, was a more inclusive linguistic identity encompassing 22-23 communities. The CM announced that a separate advisory team of IAS, WBCS officers and linguists would examine linguistic and constitutional issues.

In another meeting regarding the hills, the CM announced that the foundation stone for Kalimpong Medical College would be laid on December 9, modernisation of hospitals across the hills and Siliguri, a 21-km ropeway between Kurseong and Darjeeling, international-standard development of Lebong Ground and Rs 19 crore for the Mahakal Temple precinct. Government tourist lodges would also be renovated.

He also proposed medical colleges in Balurghat, Alipurduar and the possibility of an IIT or IIM in Siliguri. Adhikari also promised to reopen 21 closed tea gardens while adding that one lakh youths would receive jobs in the coming months.

Adhikari embarked on a surprise visit to the SMC office during the BJP's mega rally that had commenced from Baghajatin park, Siliguri. Accompanied by ministers, MPs, MLAs and senior administrative officials, the CM held a discussion with SMC administrator, Commissioner over complaints regarding civic services. He proposed expansion of the corporation area through consultations with adjoining areas, without imposing any decision on them.

Adhikari announced that a special inter-departmental meeting involving the SMC, North Bengal Development department, Teesta Barrage authorities and railway officials would be convened at Uttarkanya during his next visit.

The CM claimed that around 600 casual and contractual workers were recruited during the previous CPI(M) and TMC regimes, creating an additional financial burden. He directed officials to clear legitimate employees' salaries and bonuses and identify those who had stopped reporting for work after May 4 or were drawing benefits without performing duties.

While addressing the masses at Mahatma Gandhi More, the CM taking a dig at Opposition leaders who recently met in Delhi, he said: "They are all defeated people. They want India to become like Bangladesh, with fundamentalists, Maoists, terrorists and extremist elements creating instability."

Predicting victories in the forthcoming municipal elections, he said: "After Nandigram, Falta and Rejinagar, we will win Kolkata, Howrah and Siliguri in February."

The CM also announced visits to Kumargram on November 18 for the concluding programme of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and Cooch Behar on November 24 for the inauguration of Rash Mela.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.