Assam Chief Minister criticises West Bengal government over development in north Bengal

 ‘No development in north Bengal under Mamata Banerjee government,’ Assam CM

PTI, April 18, 2026, Kolkata: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday claimed that there has been no development in north Bengal under the Mamata Banerjee government and pitched for a change in government.

Addressing an election rally in (Gorubathan of) Kalimpong, he said the BJP would seek a constitutional solution to the Gorkhaland issue and "ensure justice for Gorkhas" if voted to power. "In north Bengal, the Trinamool Congress government did nothing," he said and promised fast-paced development in the region if the BJP comes to power. "We will bring AIIMS, IIT and IIM, and dedicated cancer hospitals for Darjeeling and north Bengal."

Referring to tea garden workers, Sarma said, "The land of tea gardens belongs to the tea workers first," and added that in Assam, land pattas have been given to over 300,000 workers.

He accused the government in West Bengal of diverting the state's resources for "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators." Addressing a rally in (Gorubathan of) Kalimpong, the BJP leader claimed that his party's governments in Assam and Tripura had prevented the entry of "Bangladeshi Muslims" into India, while infiltration of illegal immigrants continued in Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee has earmarked the entire treasury of Bengal for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. She sold this land to Bangladeshi Muslims for votes," he alleged.

Sarma said the BJP governments in Assam and Tripura have taken steps to check infiltration. "In Tripura and Assam, we are closing roads for Bangladeshi Muslims to enter, but Mamata keeps the doors open," he said