Siliguri, April 16 -- Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, the Kamtapur Progressive Party (KPP) has once again intensified its demand for a separate state. The party has also urged people to vote for candidates nominated by the Kamtapur State Demand Council (KSDC).The candidates are Pappu Roy from Matigara-Naxalbari, Ashtami Roy Sinha from Dabgram-Fulbari and Baishakhi Rabha Roy from Phansidewa.
Addressing a press conference in Siliguri on Thursday, KPP leaders voiced strong dissatisfaction with the BJP-led Central government, alleging that repeated promises made to the people of North Bengal have not been fulfilled.
Chandan Singh, the party spokesperson said: "Before both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, Union Home minister Amit Shah made several promises. However, those commitments remain unfulfilled. I appeal to our Rajbanshi brothers and sisters not to fall into any trap and to vote for KSDC candidates."
The demand for a separate Kamtapur state, or for North Bengal to be declared a separate state, has been raised by sections of the Rajbanshi and Kamtapur communities for many years.
They further alleged that key demands-including recognition of the Kamtapuri-Rajbanshi language under the Scheduled languages category establishment of AIIMS in North Bengal, central schools, a metro rail system, a dedicated North Bengal Development Board, have also not been fulfilled.
The KPP had extended support to the BJP in previous elections. However, growing discontent has led the party to field its own candidates this time-a move that political observers believe could impact the BJP's prospects in parts of North Bengal.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.