War of words between BJP, TMC in Cooch Behar

The Trinamul Congress said it is fighting the branding of locals as Bangladeshis and Rohingyas

- MANAS R BANNERJEE

Tensions are mounting in politically volatile Cooch Behar, as the Trinamul Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prepare for an all-out political showdown ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The border district, long seen as a communal and electoral flashpoint, is once again under the spotlight—this time over allegations of infiltration and growing fears surrounding NRC-related actions.

On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari announced a new political campaign from Khagrabari, set to launch after Janmashtami. The campaign will focus on what he claims is rampant infiltration by Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims into West Bengal. The declaration has triggered an immediate counterattack from the TMC, with district president Abhijit Dey Bhowmik declaring that the ruling party will confront the BJP head-on, especially on the issue of NRC and attempts to intimidate local residents.

The attack on Suvendu Adhikari's convoy in Khagrabari—allegedly by TMC supporters who damaged his bulletproof vehicle—has added fuel to the fire. While political observers say the BJP has gained sympathy and mileage from the incident, the TMC leaders like Udayan Guha, minister of North Bengal development, have dismissed the narrative.