AIIMS, IIT, cancer hospital: Suvendu Adhikari’s big North Bengal push after BJP win
The Statesman | 21 May 2026
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday used his first visit to North Bengal after taking oath to push the BJP government’s development agenda for the region, promising institutions such as an AIIMS, an IIT and a cancer hospital.
Arriving at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, Adhikari signalled that North Bengal would remain a political and administrative priority for the new government. The visit comes days after the BJP swept the Assembly elections with 207 seats, ending the Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule in the state.
Addressing reporters at the airport, the Chief Minister credited the region for consistently backing the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“North Bengal has repeatedly stood by the BJP and strengthened the hands of Prime Minister Modi. By working in North Bengal, we will fulfil the aspirations of the people,” Adhikari said.
He also announced that BJP ministers from North Bengal would conduct weekly “Janata Darshan” programmes to directly interact with residents and monitor development work in coordination with the administration.
“Our ministers from North Bengal will hold a ‘Janata Darshan’ once a week; coordinating with the administration, they will review ongoing projects and, through regular meetings, work towards the implementation of every scheme across the entire North Bengal region,” he said.
Reiterating promises made during the Assembly campaign, Adhikari said the government would move ahead with plans to establish an AIIMS, an IIT and a cancer hospital in North Bengal.
The BJP has repeatedly accused previous governments of neglecting the region and has sought to position North Bengal as central to its political and development strategy in the state.
BJP MP Raju Bista claimed the region had long suffered discrimination under earlier administrations and said the new government would restore its importance.
“Previous governments have always treated North Bengal like a stepchild; North Bengal has had to face discrimination. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, North Bengal will regain its dignity and also witness development,” Bista said.
He further claimed that the region had now been “liberated from the misrule of the TMC”.
Preparations were visible across Siliguri ahead of the Chief Minister’s arrival, with BJP workers gathering in large numbers to welcome him.
BJP MLA Bishal Lama said party workers were enthusiastic about Adhikari’s first post-oath visit to the region.
“After his swearing-in ceremony, Suvendu Adhikari is coming to North Bengal for the first time as the Chief Minister. The workers are extremely excited. Entire Siliguri has been decked up. We have complete faith that North Bengal, which has been deprived, will not be treated the same anymore,” Lama said.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said the government was also planning administrative and infrastructure reforms for North Bengal, including the introduction of Panchayat Raj in the hills.
“We are thinking about the development of North Bengal. We will be starting Panchayat Raj in the hills and improving infrastructure,” Ghosh said.
The developments come amid heightened political activity in West Bengal following the Assembly election results that brought the BJP to power in the state for the first time.