Rajbangshi rift in polls

TT, Jalpaiguri: The difference in the stance of Kamtapur Progressive Party (KPP) and Kamtapur Peoples' Party (United) on panchayat elections has led to confusion among a section of voters belonging to the Rajbangshi community.

While the KPP headed by Atul Roy has decided to support Trinamul, the KPP (U) led by Nikhil Roy has decided to contest the elections in their strongholds, without allying with any other political force.

"We have struggled over decades to get recognition of our language and chief minister Mamata Banerjee has recognised it. She has formed two language academies and the cultural and development board for the community. Such initiatives by the state government have made us support Trinamul," said Atul.

Nikhil, is not ready to buy the theory. He pointed out that several social welfare schemes did not reach to prospective beneficiaries in rural areas, including the poor Rajbangshi people.

"There is corruption in different tiers of panchayat, due to which thousands of people are being deprived of various social schemes. The Rajbangshis in rural areas are aggrieved and want an end to corruption. That is why we have decided to go ahead and contest the elections on our own and will not ally with any party," he said.

The KPP (U), Nikhil said, has fielded candidates in different tiers in all those districts of north Bengal where rural polls would be held.

Such difference in stand has led to confusion among voters, and particularly supporters of these parties.

"There were some minor differences among these two parties but this time, it is a straight divide as KPP led by Atul Roy is supporting Trinamul. We really don't know whether to support the Trinamul candidate or the KPP (U) candidate at the elections," said a leader of KPP based in Dhupguri block.