West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Cooch Behar has suddenly found itself at the centre of political speculation after reports surfaced that Greater Cooch Beh Cooch Behar has suddenly found itself at the centre of political speculation after reports surfaced that Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association leader Banshibadan Barman has travelled to New Delhi. The unannounced visit has triggered intense discussions across political circles in North Bengal, with many wondering whether the influential Rajbanshi leader is on the verge of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the next Assembly elections.

According to local sources and political observers, the sudden Delhi trip of Barman has created a wave of speculation in Cooch Behar district. Rumours are circulating that he may meet senior BJP leaders during his stay in the national capital. While no official confirmation has emerged, discussions on social media have further fuelled the narrative that the visit could signal a significant political shift in the region.

Barman himself has neither confirmed nor denied the reports clearly. When contacted regarding his Delhi trip, he responded in an ambiguous manner. “There is nothing like that. But can’t I come to Delhi?” he remarked briefly, adding that he was busy attending a meeting. However, when asked about the location of the meeting or the leaders he might be meeting, he chose not to respond further. His guarded response has only deepened the mystery surrounding the visit.

Political analysts believe that the development could have a major impact on the Rajbanshi vote bank in North Bengal. The Rajbanshi community plays a decisive role in the electoral politics of districts such as Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and parts of Jalpaiguri. Any shift in leadership or allegiance among prominent Rajbanshi figures can significantly influence political outcomes in the region.

The timing of Barman’s visit has also drawn attention because it comes amid recent political developments involving Rajbanshi leaders. Recently, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ananta Maharaj, also known as Nagendranath Roy, who is associated with the Greater Cooch Behar movement, received the prestigious Banga Bibhushan award from the West Bengal government. After receiving the honour, he publicly praised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a gesture that reportedly caused discomfort within sections of the BJP ahead of crucial elections.

Ananta Maharaj’s praise for Mamata Banerjee has sparked political calculations within the ruling All India Trinamool Congress. The party is believed to be trying to consolidate support among Rajbanshi voters by highlighting the goodwill between the community leader and the state government. In the last Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, a significant portion of the Rajbanshi vote had swung towards the BJP, strengthening the party’s position in North Bengal.

With the next Assembly election approaching, the Trinamool Congress is reportedly eager to make inroads into this voter base. Political observers believe the ruling party is attempting to leverage Ananta Maharaj’s influence among Rajbanshi voters to shift the electoral equation.

Against this backdrop, Banshibadan Barman’s presence in Delhi has raised questions about whether the BJP is trying to counter this strategy. Analysts suggest that by bringing another prominent Greater Cooch Behar leader closer to the party, the BJP could attempt to prevent any potential erosion of Rajbanshi support.

Barman had earlier been perceived as being relatively close to the Trinamool Congress, especially because Ananta Maharaj is currently a BJP MP. The emerging developments have therefore created a curious situation where political loyalties among Rajbanshi leaders appear to be shifting or being reassessed.

The possibility that the BJP might project Barman as a counterbalance to Ananta Maharaj has become a major talking point in North Bengal’s political landscape. If such a move materialises, it could reshape the dynamics of Rajbanshi politics and influence the strategies of both the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.

The mystery surrounding Banshibadan Barman’s Delhi visit remains unresolved. With the leader refusing to disclose details about his meetings in the capital, speculation continues to grow. As political temperatures gradually rise ahead of the elections, the significance of this visit may become clearer in the coming days, potentially signalling a new chapter in the evolving political equations of Cooch Behar and North Bengal.