The central leadership of the BJP has invited two factions of a political party in north Bengal, which are proponents of separate statehood, for talks.

The invitations are for representatives of the Kamtapur Progressive Party and the Kamtapur Peoples’ Party.

The leaders of the two parties, who also formed the Kamtapur State Demand Forum, a common body to push their demand, confirmed that they had received invitations from the central BJP.

“We have received invitations for talks with the BJP leadership. Our principal demand is the creation of a separate Kamtapur state and the recognition of the Kamtapuri (Rajbanshi) language. We are getting ready for the talks which are likely to be held after Holi,” said Amit Roy, vice-chairman of the forum.

In recent years, this is the first time that both the factions of the KPP have been called by the BJP to discuss the statehood issue. The invitation has gained importance, especially after the recent meeting between BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung.

The Morcha, like the KPP, also wants a separate state.

Abhijit Roy, the office secretary of a faction of the KPP, said they had earlier sent letters to the Centre for meeting their demand.

“Last year, we received a reply from the Union home ministry where it was mentioned that our demand was under consideration,” he said.