Political leaders rush to north Bengal; Shah may also visit
The Statesman | 8 October 2025Even as rescue and restoration work continues, political activity in the region has intensified. Amid visits by leaders from across the political spectrum, speculation grew on Tuesday over a possible visit by Union home minister Amit Shah. Sources indicated that Shah, who is scheduled to attend an official event in Siliguri on Wednesday, may also meet injured BJP leaders and visit flood-ravaged areas if time permits. The speculation comes close on the heels of Monday’s violent incident at Bamandanga tea estate in Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata, where BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked by a mob while visiting flood victims.
Eyewitnesses said both leaders were surrounded by angry locals demanding to know why they had not visited the area for five years. As the situation turned tense, stones were hurled at their vehicles. Murmu sustained a head injury after being hit by a brick, while Ghosh was allegedly pushed and heckled. Their security personnel tried to control the crowd but were overpowered. The MP was initially rushed to a primary health centre in Chalsa and later shifted to a hospital in Siliguri, where doctors confirmed a fracture below his eye.
The Congress, too, has stepped up its outreach. Led by state president Shubhankar Sarkar, a delegation of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) is visiting the affected areas on Tuesday. The Youth Congress has formed a nine-member team to coordinate relief work and ensure aid reaches victims swiftly. Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Mallikarjun Kharge have urged party workers through posts on X to join relief efforts and assist people in the crisis-hit hill districts. Left Front chairman Biman Bose asked all ‘red volunteers’ and party workers for visit north Bengal and distribute relief works among the flood affected persons. BJP leaders have termed the assault “pre-planned” and accused the ruling Trinamul Congress of instigating the attack.
Meanwhile, Union minister for parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju reached north Bengal on Tuesday to assess the flood situation. He was accompanied by BJP leaders including Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. Rijiju said the Centre was monitoring the situation closely and assured assistance to the affected families.
