Raju Bista Accuses West Bengal Government of 'Disaster Management Ghotala', Demands CAG Audit for North Bengal Relief Funds

KalimNews, Darjeeling, November 9, 2025 : In a scathing attack on the West Bengal government, Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista has alleged gross mismanagement and discrimination in the handling of disaster relief funds for North Bengal. Accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led state government of neglecting the region, Bista has called for a comprehensive audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to ensure transparency in the allocation and utilization of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Bista’s comments came in response to a Ministry of Home Affairs report, which he claims highlights severe lapses in the management and deployment of disaster relief funds in Darjeeling, the Terai, Dooars, and other parts of North Bengal. In a statement issued on Sunday, Bista revealed that he had written to the Union Home Secretary on October 24, 2025, seeking details about the allocation and use of funds from the SDRF. The Union Home Secretary’s response, Bista said, raised serious concerns about the state’s handling of the funds meant for disaster relief following recent floods, landslides, and other natural calamities in the region.

According to the official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs, as of April 1, 2025, the SDRF balance stood at a substantial Rs 5,244.30 crore. An additional Rs 491.60 crore was released by the Centre, with a state share of Rs 164 crore, bringing the total SDRF funds for the 2025-26 financial year to Rs 5,899.90 crore. The report further noted that while the West Bengal government had received substantial central assistance—Rs 3,978 crore from the SDRF and an additional Rs 434.90 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)—the state government has yet to allocate these funds for disaster relief in North Bengal.

“How is it that, despite billions of rupees in disaster relief funds being available, the West Bengal government has failed to deploy even a single paisa for the people of our region?” Bista asked, alleging that the funds may have been diverted for political purposes. “Are these funds still sitting in the state coffers, or have they been siphoned off? Is there a 'Disaster Management Ghotala' happening right under our noses?”

Bista also criticized the state government’s failure to act swiftly in the aftermath of natural calamities. He pointed to the Teesta floods of 2023 and the recent landslides and floods in October 2025, which have caused significant damage to communities in North Bengal. Despite these recurring disasters, Bista claims that the state government has consistently ignored the needs of the affected populations in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.

"The victims of the Teesta floods and the recent landslides remain highly vulnerable. They are still waiting for the relief that was promised but never delivered. This is a grave injustice to the people of North Bengal, who continue to suffer while the West Bengal government seems indifferent to their plight," Bista said.

The Darjeeling MP has demanded that the state government immediately release the necessary funds to assist affected communities. He also urged the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which holds an autonomous status, to press the state government for action. “The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration must hold the state accountable and ensure that relief reaches the people of Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars, and other parts of North Bengal,” Bista added.

Bista's call for a thorough audit of the SDRF utilization by the CAG is part of a broader push for greater accountability and transparency in the disaster relief process. He has also demanded that West Bengal’s Disaster Management Minister, Javed Ahmed Khan, be held responsible for the alleged neglect and biased handling of relief efforts in North Bengal.

“This blatant discrimination against our region cannot be tolerated,” Bista declared. “Immediate action is needed to ensure that relief reaches the people of Darjeeling Hills, Terai, Dooars, and all of North Bengal. We will not stand by while our people continue to suffer.”

As North Bengal grapples with the aftermath of successive natural disasters, Bista’s allegations are likely to fuel further political debate, especially as the region remains at the center of ongoing calls for greater autonomy under the Gorkhaland movement. His demands for an audit and the release of funds come at a critical time when the region is struggling to recover and rebuild its communities.

With the ongoing political tensions and the upcoming elections, the issue of disaster relief and resource allocation for North Bengal is expected to remain a key point of contention between the central and state governments.