Amit Shah claims “₹2,000 crore for North Bengal, ₹5,800 crore for minorities,” calls it injustice

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a high-voltage rally in Kurseong on the final day of campaigning for the first phase of Assembly elections, made a series of sweeping promises for North Bengal while launching sharp attacks on the Mamata Banerjee government. He assured that if the BJP forms the government, the long-pending Gorkha issue would be resolved by May 6, adding that he understands the problems of the people and that only the BJP can deliver a permanent solution. Shah urged voters to give the party one chance, stating that while Darjeeling has supported the BJP in previous elections, the rest of Bengal must now join in removing the current government. He also said, “The Mamata government allocates ₹2,000 crore for North Bengal, but ₹5,800 crore for the Muslim community and madrasas. This injustice will not continue for long.”

Targeting the state leadership, Shah alleged injustice against the Gorkha community, claiming their history had been distorted not only by the current regime but also by previous governments. He criticised the state’s allocation of funds, alleging disproportionate spending, and accused the administration of removing names of Gorkhas from voter lists, promising that all such names would be restored after the elections. He also attacked the handling of law and order, asserting that incidents had shamed the state and pledging that every rapist would be jailed under a BJP government.

On national security and governance, Shah raised the issue of infiltration, asking whether illegal entrants should be driven out, and promised strict action in North Bengal. He accused the state government of spreading rumours about welfare schemes, assuring that no existing scheme would be stopped and that new ones would be introduced. He also alleged that the Gorkha movement had been suppressed through false cases, promising that all such cases would be withdrawn by July 31 if the BJP comes to power. He further claimed that a BJP government would investigate corruption in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Highlighting development plans, Shah outlined an ambitious roadmap for North Bengal, including setting up an AIIMS, a 500-bed cancer hospital, IIT and IIM institutions, a sports university for Gorkha youth, and a tribal university. He promised industrial growth through four new townships, increased wages for tea garden workers to over ₹500 within two years, land ownership for workers, and new schools in tea gardens. He also spoke about infrastructure projects such as an alternative highway for Darjeeling, redevelopment of Bagdogra Airport into one of the country’s largest by 2027, and progress on major railway projects, while also mentioning plans for improved connectivity, including facilitating travel for Gorkhas.

Concluding his address, Shah said he had fulfilled his promise to visit Darjeeling after earlier disruptions due to weather and permissions, and reiterated his commitment to return after the elections once the Gorkha issue is resolved. He warned that false cases could be filed against Gorkhas but urged them to trust him, promising a new government by May 5. He also assured that he would personally visit again to meet the people after delivering on his commitments, as large crowds gathered at the rally venue following a day of multiple campaign events across the state.