Berubari Block proposal gains traction in Jalpaiguri poll campaign across parties

Jalpaiguri: The proposal to create a new administrative block named “Berubari” by bifurcating the Jalpaiguri Sadar block has emerged as a key issue in the ongoing election campaign in the Jalpaiguri Assembly Constituency.

The demand is not new. It was earlier raised by the Forward Bloc during the Left Front regime, but was never implemented. This time, Trinamool Congress candidate Krishna Das has revived the issue, promising to form the new block if elected.

The proposed Berubari block would comprise six gram panchayats under Jalpaiguri Sadar block—Dakshin Berubari, Kharija Berubari No. 1 and No. 2, Nagar Berubari, Mondalghat, and Boalmari Nandanpur. Residents of the Bangladesh-bordering areas have largely welcomed the move, citing difficulties in accessing basic administrative and healthcare services. Das said several areas, including Doikhata in Dakshin Berubari, are located around 46 km from Jalpaiguri Medical College, forcing residents to travel long distances for treatment and government work.

“There is no college or block health centre in the area. If elected, my first priority will be to form a new block named ‘Berubari’,” he said.

Supporting the demand, district Forward Bloc president Saradaprasad Das said the nearest block health centre for many residents is in Belakoba, nearly 60 km away. “People have to depend on Jalpaiguri town for education, healthcare and other services. A separate block will benefit them greatly,” he said.Local resident Saiful Islam termed the proposal “very good,” saying it would bring services closer to people.

The issue has also found a place in rival campaigns. BJP candidate Anantadev Adhikari and Congress candidate Sudipta Mohanta said they are highlighting the demand during their outreach.

The proposed name carries historical significance. Following the partition, Dakshin Berubari became a disputed territory, and under the 1958 Nehru–Noon Agreement, part of it was to be transferred to Pakistan. Protests erupted, and the move was later halted under the 1974 Indira–

Mujib Agreement.

Plans include setting up the block office at Ghughudanga, along with proposals for a college, block health centre and police station in the area.