Mamata’s North Bengal visit a distraction from teacher scam protests, says Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s three-day tour of North Bengal has come under sharp criticism from Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista, who called the visit a political distraction meant to divert public attention from the ongoing Teacher Recruitment Scam protests in Kolkata.

“This visit is nothing more than a cover-up to avoid taking responsibility for the teacher recruitment scam that has left thousands jobless,” said Raju Bista, adding that the Chief Minister “chose to leave the capital at a time when teachers are out on the streets demanding justice.”

According to Bista, Mamata Banerjee has consistently ignored the demands and needs of North Bengal. “Her government has done nothing meaningful for the people here,” he said. “Even flood-affected families in the Teesta region haven’t received proper support.”

During her visit, the Chief Minister announced new projects like an International Convention Centre, an IT Park, and industrial zones. But Bista dismissed these as empty promises. “In the past 12 years, not a single major industry has come up in West Bengal. Businesses are leaving the state because there is no industrial environment here,” he stated.

He accused the state government of neglecting key infrastructure needs in North Bengal. “She is the Health Minister, yet our hospitals are running without enough doctors or equipment. There’s no AIIMS here, no medical college in Kalimpong, and no Sainik School in Darjeeling,” he said.

Bista also pointed out that the state government has failed to grant land for important central projects like border fencing, Integrated Check Posts, and Rail-over-Bridges at Rangapani and Birpara. “These projects could bring development, but the state refuses to cooperate,” he said.

On education, the Darjeeling MP said universities in North Bengal are being run from temporary buildings with temporary staff. He also criticised the government's repeated announcement of the “Cha Sundari” housing scheme, saying, “It’s announced every time she visits, but there’s no real benefit for tea garden workers who are still waiting for land rights and fair wages.”

Bista highlighted the severe underfunding of the region, noting that only 0.28% of the ₹3.08 lakh crore state budget for FY 2025–26 was allocated to the North Bengal Development Department.

He also raised concerns about recent violence in Murshidabad, pointing to a Calcutta High Court-appointed committee’s findings that local TMC leaders were involved and police remained inactive during the unrest.

“North Bengal deserves better. We need real development, not just flashy announcements,” Bista said. “It’s time for the Chief Minister to take responsibility and step down.”