In the early hours of Saturday, a convoy belonging to BJP Member of Parliament Raju Bista was attacked in the Sukhia Pokhari area of north Bengal. Bista, who represents the Darjeeling constituency, posted a brief video on his social media following the assault.
The MP said, “My convoy was attacked by unknown miscreants near Masdhura, just outside Sukhia Pokhari. The vehicle right behind mine took the brunt of the attack. The timing feels suspicious, coming after the central government announced an interlocutor for Gorkha matters in Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai.” Bista added that the attack was meant to create chaos in the region and that it would not deter him or his supporters. “We are not afraid,” he warned. “These cowardly attacks only strengthen our resolve to bring lasting peace.”
Bista’s complaint comes after a string of violent incidents in the hills. A few weeks earlier, BJP MP Khagen Murmu in Maldah North and party MLA Shankar Ghosh in Jalpaiguri’s Nagrakata were also attacked by unknown assailants. Union Minister of State for Education and Digital & Multimedia (DoNER) Sukanta Majumdar condemned the assault on Bista. “We strongly oppose these vile attacks,” Majumdar wrote. “If anyone tries to destabilise North Bengal, we will not let them succeed. State and national parties stand united against such violence.”
The incident follows the central government’s decision to appoint an interlocutor for Gorkha issues. The move doubles as a controversial measure that both the state and opposition parties argue is unilateral. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the appointment on the same day, saying it undermined state authority and threatened delicate regional balances.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has promised to protect its leaders and supporters from these “hired goons.” Bista’s followers see the attack as part of a broader attempt to intimidate pro-gopik network leaders in the hills.
The incident highlights the tense political climate in north Bengal, where Gorkha agitation and regional demands intersect with national politics. Security forces have stepped up patrols in the area after the wave of violence. Bista’s rally again drew crowds of thousands, with supporters chanting for peace and stability.
In the coming days, investigators will probe the attack. Whether perpetrators are linked to anti‑BJP groups or political rivals remains unclear. Still, the incident underscores the need for more robust defense for public officials in hot‑spot regions and a calm, measured approach to the Gorkha issue debate.
The region’s residents continue to watch the proceedings closely, hoping that political leaders will foster dialogue rather than resort to violence. As the story unfolds, updates from local and national outlets will provide fresh details about the attack, its motive, and the steps taken to ensure the safety of political figures in the hills.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
