Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is set to begin a three-day tour of north Bengal starting Monday, with her first stop in Bagdogra. While the primary objective of the visit is administrative, political observers believe the trip holds significant political weight, especially ahead of the next year’s assembly elections.
Over the past few years, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has made steady inroads in the eight districts of North Bengal. Though the party secured only the Cooch Behar seat in the last Lok Sabha elections, its performance in subsequent by-elections and organisational expansion has reflected growing public support.
This shift has been further underscored by the recent defections of key BJP leaders, including Alipurduar MLA Suman Kanjilal and former BJP MP and Union minister of state John Barla, both of whom have joined the TMC. These developments have added a new dimension to Mamata’s visit.
On Monday afternoon, Mamata will address industrialists at Dinabandhu Mancha in Siliguri. The interaction forms part of the state government’s first-ever ‘Synergy’ conference in North Bengal, inspired by the momentum generated by the World Bengal Trade Conference.
With a focus on tourism, handicrafts and small-scale industries, the conference aims to harness the economic potential of the region. The chief minister will listen to the industrialists’ concerns and proposals while outlining future development plans.
On Tuesday, a major service delivery program will take place at the Videocon Ground in Dabgram. Initially planned for Odlabari, the event was shifted to this new location.
During the programme, government benefits and schemes will be distributed to residents of Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Additionally, Mamata will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several major development projects, with investments running into several thousand crores of rupees.
The final day of the tour, Wednesday, will feature a crucial administrative review meeting at the Uttarkanya Auditorium. The chief minister will be joined by cabinet ministers, district magistrates and senior administrative officials to evaluate the progress of government initiatives across north Bengal.
An official from the region noted that the CM maintains a consistent focus on north Bengal’s development and this visit is part of that ongoing engagement.
However, political analysts point out that with less than a year to go before the assembly polls, the visit is also aimed at strengthening the TMC’s presence in north Bengal. By making strategic announcements and showcasing development projects, Mamata is expected to galvanise support and consolidate her party’s position in this politically crucial region.
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