Speaking at the business conclave CM reaffirmed the state’s commitment to balanced regional growth.
Siliguri: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in North Bengal on Monday for a crucial three-day visit, aiming to boost economic prospects in the region. Her tour began with the North Bengal Business Meet 2025 in Siliguri, where a slew of announcements set the tone for industrial development in the northern districts.
Speaking at the business conclave, attended by industrialists, entrepreneurs, and trade representatives from eight North Bengal districts, Banerjee reaffirmed the state’s commitment to balanced regional growth. “We think about North Bengal too, and that’s why we’ve taken this initiative,” she said, unveiling plans for Volvo bus services connecting six districts of North Bengal to Digha in South Bengal — a move aimed at strengthening inter-regional connectivity and tourism.
The Chief Minister underlined the availability of land and skilled manpower in the region, positioning North Bengal as fertile ground for both large-scale and small-scale industries. “The government has its own land bank for industrial use and a large pool of skilled workers. We are giving equal importance to both large and small-scale industries,” she told the gathering.
She also announced the expected July inauguration of a long-awaited circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court in Jalpaiguri. “The state has already spent ₹501 crore on the project,” she said, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening legal infrastructure in the region.
Among other key issues discussed were the development of tourism, especially beyond the overcrowded hill town of Darjeeling. The Chief Minister called on industry leaders to “create a new Darjeeling” and develop tourism infrastructure in Kalimpong and Kurseong. "Take the initiative, and we will support you," she encouraged stakeholders.
She did not shy away from voicing concern over the ailing Darjeeling tea industry. While carefully avoiding naming any nation, Banerjee accused a “neighbouring country” of importing low-cost tea and selling it under the Darjeeling label. “I won’t name the country, but I’m aware of what’s happening,” she said, adding that a task force has already been formed to look into the adulteration of the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Banerjee also made pointed political remarks during the meet, indirectly taking aim at the BJP and Left parties. Accusing the BJP of being disconnected from Bengal’s cultural identity, she emphasized personal freedom in religious and lifestyle choices. She also criticized the Left for its reliance on protests and strikes, calling them outdated and unproductive.
The Chief Minister’s visit continues Tuesday with a public service distribution programme at Fulbari in Jalpaiguri, followed by an important administrative meeting on Wednesday at Uttarkanya, the state’s North Bengal secretariat.
Meanwhile, the political heat in the region rose further as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also landed in North Bengal on Monday. While Banerjee addressed business leaders, Adhikari took potshots at her visit. “The queen is on a tour in North where the weather is very good. One moment it’s raining, and suddenly the sun is shining brightly,” he quipped at Bagdogra airport, suggesting the CM’s visit was more leisurely than administrative.
With both leaders touring the region simultaneously, North Bengal has become a focal point of both governance and political rivalry — a microcosm of Bengal’s broader political and developmental contest.
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| Mamata Bannerjee. File Image |
Siliguri: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in North Bengal on Monday for a crucial three-day visit, aiming to boost economic prospects in the region. Her tour began with the North Bengal Business Meet 2025 in Siliguri, where a slew of announcements set the tone for industrial development in the northern districts.
Speaking at the business conclave, attended by industrialists, entrepreneurs, and trade representatives from eight North Bengal districts, Banerjee reaffirmed the state’s commitment to balanced regional growth. “We think about North Bengal too, and that’s why we’ve taken this initiative,” she said, unveiling plans for Volvo bus services connecting six districts of North Bengal to Digha in South Bengal — a move aimed at strengthening inter-regional connectivity and tourism.
The Chief Minister underlined the availability of land and skilled manpower in the region, positioning North Bengal as fertile ground for both large-scale and small-scale industries. “The government has its own land bank for industrial use and a large pool of skilled workers. We are giving equal importance to both large and small-scale industries,” she told the gathering.
She also announced the expected July inauguration of a long-awaited circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court in Jalpaiguri. “The state has already spent ₹501 crore on the project,” she said, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening legal infrastructure in the region.
Among other key issues discussed were the development of tourism, especially beyond the overcrowded hill town of Darjeeling. The Chief Minister called on industry leaders to “create a new Darjeeling” and develop tourism infrastructure in Kalimpong and Kurseong. "Take the initiative, and we will support you," she encouraged stakeholders.
She did not shy away from voicing concern over the ailing Darjeeling tea industry. While carefully avoiding naming any nation, Banerjee accused a “neighbouring country” of importing low-cost tea and selling it under the Darjeeling label. “I won’t name the country, but I’m aware of what’s happening,” she said, adding that a task force has already been formed to look into the adulteration of the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
Banerjee also made pointed political remarks during the meet, indirectly taking aim at the BJP and Left parties. Accusing the BJP of being disconnected from Bengal’s cultural identity, she emphasized personal freedom in religious and lifestyle choices. She also criticized the Left for its reliance on protests and strikes, calling them outdated and unproductive.
The Chief Minister’s visit continues Tuesday with a public service distribution programme at Fulbari in Jalpaiguri, followed by an important administrative meeting on Wednesday at Uttarkanya, the state’s North Bengal secretariat.
Meanwhile, the political heat in the region rose further as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also landed in North Bengal on Monday. While Banerjee addressed business leaders, Adhikari took potshots at her visit. “The queen is on a tour in North where the weather is very good. One moment it’s raining, and suddenly the sun is shining brightly,” he quipped at Bagdogra airport, suggesting the CM’s visit was more leisurely than administrative.
With both leaders touring the region simultaneously, North Bengal has become a focal point of both governance and political rivalry — a microcosm of Bengal’s broader political and developmental contest.
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