CM Suvendu Adhikari Orders Action Against ‘Absconding’ Elected Representatives, Reviews North Bengal Development Plans

Amitava Banerjee, MP, July 4, 2026, Darjeeling: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has directed that “absconding” elected representatives of Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, Municipalities, Municipal Corporations and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) be served show-cause notices immediately, saying their absence is hampering development activities.

During a visit to Siliguri on Friday, the Chief Minister also outlined various flood and landslide mitigation measures.

“About 80 per cent of the elected representatives are absconding. The government has to function 24x7. Government work cannot come to a halt because of any individual or elected representative. I have instructed that all such persons be served show-cause notices. If they do not abide by the law and cooperate with the authorities, appropriate legal action will be initiated,” the Chief Minister told mediapersons at Bagdogra Airport before leaving for Kolkata.

He further stated that funds have to be utilised for projects, detailed project reports (DPRs) have to be prepared, and the tendering process has to be initiated.

“There are around 300 government projects underway in North Bengal. Block Development Officers (BDOs), accompanied by local MLAs, will conduct site visits to inspect the quality of work. For 30 schemes, the authorities will prepare PowerPoint presentations, which I will review during my next visit, tentatively scheduled for July 20,” he said.

“Those elected representatives who have indulged in siphoning off public funds or accepted kickbacks should immediately surrender before the police. If they cannot face the public, they should resign immediately,” Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister said that priority has been given to flood and landslide mitigation through 670 schemes.

Short-term measures have already been undertaken under 300 schemes, while long-term flood mitigation work will begin in November.

“Along with the Civil Defence and Disaster Management teams, a 400-member police force will assist during natural calamities in the Hills, Terai and Dooars. A special force comprising 50 ex-servicemen is also being raised for this purpose,” he said.

He added that Civil Defence-trained youths would be provided employment for 20 to 25 days each month from July 15 to October 15 in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.

“With North Bengal having the highest number of migrant workers, employment will be generated under the Ji Ram Ji, Viksit Bharat scheme,” Adhikari said.

He further announced that Uttarkanya, the mini secretariat, would be made fully functional.

“So that people do not have to travel to Kolkata, all government departments will be made fully functional at Uttarkanya,” he assured.

The Chief Minister also handed over ex gratia cheques to the family members of victims of a bus accident that had occurred in Maynaguri.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post