Taking a sharp dig at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said that previous visits by Mamata Banerjee to the Hills were merely “tourist trips,” asserting that his own visit was aimed at delivering governance and development to the region.
“The former Chief Minister used to claim that she had no vote bank in the hills, so she did not work for the region. She would merely visit the hills as a tourist. However, I have not come here as a tourist; I have come to work,” Adhikari said while addressing a public gathering in Kurseong.
The remarks came during his maiden visit to the Hills as Chief Minister, marking a significant political moment. Adhikari, who has earlier visited the region as Leader of the Opposition and as a BJP leader, attended a ‘Public Welfare Camp’ at Goethals Ground and made a series of announcements aimed at boosting development in the Hills.
The Chief Minister received a rare joint reception from all political parties in the region. Expressing gratitude, he said, “I have received a reception from all parties in the Hills. Now, the people of the Hills will reap the true benefits of the double-engine government. All stalled central projects will now be fully implemented in the region.”
Highlighting the political significance of the Hills, Adhikari noted that the constituencies of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong, along with the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, have long been held by the BJP. He described the region as a trusted ally and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of its residents.
Outlining a development roadmap, the Chief Minister announced that a new medical college would be set up in Kalimpong to enhance healthcare services. He also promised a major overhaul of educational infrastructure in the Hills. Residents, he said, would benefit from the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, while employment opportunities would increase with 125 days of guaranteed work annually under the GRMG scheme.
In addition, a modern stadium will be constructed under the Khelo India initiative to promote sports among youth, and existing electricity subsidies will continue.
Adhikari also targeted the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over alleged recruitment scams, particularly within the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). “Previously, there was a negative government in the state. Not only was proper recruitment neglected, but massive recruitment corruption also took place within the GTA. Such things will not happen under this government. Large-scale police recruitment will be conducted within the next few months,” he said.
He further assured that all government welfare schemes would be delivered directly to the people’s doorsteps, pledging, “I will do exactly what I say.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister paid tribute to soldiers from the Hills, acknowledging their contributions to national security. “Whenever there have been conspiracies to break the country apart, the brave sons of the hills have stood firm against them. I offer my salutations to the martyred soldiers from the hills,” he said.
The ‘Public Welfare Camp’ currently underway at Goethals Ground features services from 19 administrative departments, aimed at delivering government benefits directly to citizens. Adhikari personally inspected the camp during his visit.
Follow us
