The Cooch Behar Rajbanshi political feud has resurfaced as Trinamool Congress leaders openly challenged the influence of Bangshibadan Barman and Ananta Roy, two prominent figures of the Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association (GCPA). At a public meeting in Dinhata, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha and Cooch Behar MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia accused the duo of double standards and questioned their political clout within the Rajbanshi community.
This confrontation reflects deeper tensions in Bengal’s identity politics, where regional aspirations, caste‑based demands, and mainstream party strategies collide.
2. The Meeting and Statements
- The meeting, titled “Bhumiputra Samabesh” (sons of the soil gathering), was held in Kismat‑Dashgram, Dinhata subdivision.
- Udayan Guha challenged Barman’s demand for 25 Assembly seats, daring him to contest and win them.
- Guha accused Barman of seeking financial gain through demands for 1,000 Rajbanshi‑medium schools, alleging it was a ploy to create jobs for his followers.
- Jagadish Basunia criticized Ananta Roy’s use of royal symbols, questioning his lineage and legitimacy.
- Both leaders accused Barman and Roy of enjoying government privileges while simultaneously opposing the Trinamool government.
3. Background of the Rajbanshi Leaders
- Bangshibadan Barman: Chairman of the Rajbanshi Development Board, long associated with demands for a separate Cooch Behar state.
- Ananta Roy: BJP Rajya Sabha member, head of another faction of the GCPA, often referred to as “Maharaja” by followers.
- Both leaders have leveraged Rajbanshi identity politics to mobilize support, but their influence has been contested.
4. Political Context
- The Rajbanshi community has historically felt marginalized in Bengal’s politics.
- Demands for a separate Cooch Behar state have periodically resurfaced.
- Trinamool Congress has attempted to integrate Rajbanshi leaders by offering positions and recognition.
- Despite this, the community largely supported BJP in the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Assembly polls.
5. Government External Links for Assistance
- Government of West Bengal: https://wb.gov.in
- Election Commission of India: https://eci.gov.in
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs: https://tribal.nic.in
- Ministry of Home Affairs: https://mha.gov.in
6. Historical Context of Rajbanshi Politics
- The Rajbanshi community traces its roots to the Koch dynasty of Cooch Behar.
- Movements for autonomy gained momentum in the 1990s with the formation of the GCPA.
- Leaders like Barman and Roy have kept the demand alive, though with limited electoral success.
- Past governments, including the Left Front, often suppressed such movements, while Mamata Banerjee’s government sought accommodation.
7. Cooch Behar Rajbanshi Political Feud: Governance Challenges
The feud reflects:
- Identity politics vs mainstream governance.
- Balancing regional aspirations with state unity.
- Managing factionalism within communities.
- Preventing vote‑splitting strategies from destabilizing democracy.
8. Global Comparisons
Similar identity‑based political movements exist worldwide:
- Scotland: Push for independence from the UK.
- Catalonia (Spain): Demands for autonomy and recognition.
- Quebec (Canada): French‑speaking population’s autonomy movement.
Cooch Behar’s Rajbanshi politics mirrors these global struggles for identity and representation.
9. Governance Lessons
The Cooch Behar feud teaches:
- Dialogue is essential between mainstream parties and regional leaders.
- Symbolic recognition (boards, cultural programs) must be matched with real empowerment.
- Transparency in resource allocation prevents allegations of financial motives.
- Inclusive development policies can reduce alienation of marginalized communities.
10. Future Outlook – Rajbanshi Politics in Bengal
India must move towards:
- Community‑based development boards with accountability.
- Educational empowerment for Rajbanshi youth.
- Cultural preservation programs to strengthen identity without separatism.
- Political inclusion through fair representation in assemblies and councils.
11. Conclusion
The Cooch Behar Rajbanshi political feud is more than a clash between leaders. It reflects the ongoing struggle of marginalized communities to assert identity within Bengal’s political framework. Trinamool’s open challenge to Barman and Roy signals a new strategy: forcing them into independent contests to split opposition votes. Whether this strengthens Trinamool or deepens Rajbanshi alienation remains to be seen. What is clear is that Bengal’s politics cannot ignore the aspirations of its diverse communities, and governance must balance unity with respect for identity.
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