North Bengal Development Crisis: The political landscape of West Bengal has long been defined by tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The article from The Telegraph India highlights a particularly sharp dispute over development in North Bengal, a region often described as marginalized in terms of state resource allocation.

At the heart of the controversy are allegations by BJP leaders Sukanta Majumdar (Balurghat MP and Union minister) and Shankar Ghosh (Siliguri MLA) that the Mamata Banerjee government has shown apathy toward North Bengal, mismanaging central funds, and obstructing local development projects.

This issue is not merely about budgetary numbers; it reflects deeper questions of regional equity, governance, healthcare access, and political rivalry.

2. North Bengal Development Crisis: North Bengal’s Strategic Importance

North Bengal comprises eight districts: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Malda. Together, they account for nearly 18% of West Bengal’s population, yet according to BJP leaders, they receive only 0.23% of the state’s budget allocation.

Why North Bengal Matters

• Geopolitical location: Borders with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh make it strategically important.
• Cultural diversity: Home to Nepali, Rajbanshi, Bengali, and tribal communities.
• Economic potential: Tea, tourism, agriculture, and cross-border trade.
• Political volatility: The region has seen demands for separate statehood (e.g., “Greater Cooch Behar” movement, Gorkhaland agitation).

Thus, neglecting North Bengal is not just a matter of underdevelopment — it risks political instability and separatist sentiment.

3. BJP’s Allegations Against TMC

3.1 Budgetary Allocation

Sukanta Majumdar argued that the allocation for a single flyover in Kolkata exceeds the total allocation for North Bengal’s eight districts. This stark comparison is meant to highlight the imbalance in resource distribution.

3.2 Healthcare Deficiencies

• North Bengal Medical College & Hospital lacks specialists like neurosurgeons.
• Patients, including TMC leaders themselves, often travel to Kolkata or other states for treatment.
• Central funds of ₹113.40 crore (for medical colleges in Cooch Behar and Raiganj) and ₹112 crore (for a trauma centre in Malda) were allegedly not utilized properly.

3.3 Infrastructure Projects

Majumdar pointed to central projects such as:

• Elevated road in Siliguri.
• Development of Bagdogra Airport.
  He claimed the state government failed to complement these with its own initiatives.

3.4 Political Obstruction

Shankar Ghosh accused the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), controlled by TMC, of blocking projects funded by his MLA development fund. These included road and fencing projects. He warned of protests in the Assembly if obstruction continued.

4. TMC’s Position

While the article focuses on BJP’s criticism, TMC has historically argued that:

• The state faces financial constraints due to limited revenue and dependence on central transfers.
• BJP exaggerates figures to create a narrative of neglect.
• Development projects are ongoing, but political interference slows progress.

Mamata Banerjee has also opposed the Centre’s move to appoint an interlocutor for a permanent solution in the Darjeeling hills, claiming it undermines state authority.

5. Healthcare Crisis in North Bengal

Healthcare is a recurring theme in the debate. Despite the establishment of medical colleges, the lack of doctors and specialists undermines their utility.

Key Issues

• Infrastructure without manpower: Buildings exist, but staffing is inadequate.
• Referral culture: Patients are routinely referred to Kolkata.
• Public vs. private divide: Wealthier families seek private care, while poorer households suffer.

This reflects a broader problem in Indian healthcare: capital expenditure without adequate operational planning.

6. Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure projects in North Bengal are often caught between central funding and state implementation.

• Bagdogra Airport: Expansion funded by the Centre, but land acquisition and local coordination depend on the state.
• Road projects: Elevated corridors in Siliguri are crucial for reducing congestion, but delays persist.
• Rail connectivity: North Bengal is a gateway to the Northeast, making railway modernization vital.

The BJP accuses TMC of deliberate obstruction to deny credit to the Centre.

7. Political Implications

The dispute is not just administrative; it is deeply political.

• BJP’s strategy: Position itself as the champion of North Bengal, highlighting neglect by TMC.
• TMC’s counter: Paint BJP as opportunistic, using central funds as leverage.
• Electoral stakes: In the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP won most seats in North Bengal, making it a battleground region.

The rhetoric of neglect feeds into identity politics, with some groups demanding autonomy or separate statehood.

8. Historical Context of Neglect

North Bengal has long felt marginalized compared to South Bengal (Kolkata and surrounding districts).

• Colonial legacy: Infrastructure concentrated in Kolkata.
• Post-independence: Industrialization bypassed North Bengal.
• Recurring agitations: Gorkhaland, Kamtapur, Greater Cooch Behar.

Thus, the current debate is part of a long-standing grievance.

9. Governance Challenges

The controversy highlights broader governance issues:

• Centre–state relations: Disputes over fund utilization.
• Transparency: Lack of clarity on how funds are spent.
• Local autonomy: Municipal bodies vs. MLAs.
• Healthcare planning: Infrastructure vs. manpower.

10. Conclusion

The article underscores a deep divide in West Bengal politics. For BJP, North Bengal is a symbol of TMC’s neglect. For TMC, it is a test of defending its governance record against accusations of apathy.

Ultimately, the issue reflects the struggles of regional equity in Indian federalism. North Bengal’s development is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring that marginalized regions receive fair treatment, healthcare access, and infrastructure support.

🔗 Government External Links

For further reading and verification, here are some official government sources relevant to the issues discussed:

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India): https://main.mohfw.gov.in
• National Health Mission (West Bengal): https://nhm.gov.in
• Ministry of Finance (Budget documents): https://www.indiabudget.gov.in
• West Bengal Government Official Portal: https://wb.gov.in
• Ministry of Civil Aviation (Bagdogra Airport projects): https://www.civilaviation.gov.in
• Press Information Bureau (Government of India): https://pib.gov.in

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