TMC’s grassroots push in Alipurduar marginalises separate state rhetoric
Alipurduar: A strategic shift in the Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) campaign ahead of the Assembly elections has pushed long-standing separate state demands, such as Gorkhaland and Kamtapur, to the margins across Alipurduar district.
Moving away from large rallies, the party is focusing on smaller, closed-door meetings and direct engagement with booth- and area-level workers and voters. Leaders say the approach is aimed at strengthening grassroots organisations and building closer contact with voters.
Explaining the approach, district committee member Bhaskar Majumdar said smaller meetings allow voters to directly question candidates and voice concerns, unlike in large rallies. “This boosts the morale of workers and strengthens candidates’ acceptability among voters,” he said.
The shift in strategy has also coincided with a noticeable decline in separatist rhetoric. Since 2019, the BJP has actively supported demands for separate statehood, including Gorkhaland and Kamtapur. However, locals claim that in the days following the election announcement, such slogans have been largely absent in constituencies like Kalchini, Kumargram, and Madarihat.
TMC leaders attribute this to a change in public discourse. “We are focusing on development and government schemes while listening to people’s concerns,” Majumdar said, adding that discussions are increasingly centred on governance rather than divisive issues.
So far, the TMC has held only two major programmes in the district. Party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee led a roadshow in support of Kalchini candidate Birendra Bara Oraon, while a public meeting was held for Falakata candidate Subhash Chandra Roy. Banerjee is also scheduled to address a rally on April 7 in support of Kumargram candidate Rajib Tirkey.
Beyond these events, candidates have prioritised local outreach. Alipurduar candidate Suman Kanjilal held multiple small meetings on Wednesday, interacting directly with workers and gathering feedback, while also conducting extensive foot campaigns across markets and neighbourhoods in Chaporerpar area.
A similar strategy is being followed by other candidates, including Jayprakash Toppo in Madarihat, Birendra Bara Oraon in Kalchini, and Rajib Tirkey in Kumargram, who have been actively engaging with tea garden-based booth workers. Tirkey, in particular, conducted day-long outreach programmes in the Turturi tea garden area.
