Greater Cooch Behar Peoples’ Association leader Ananta Maharaj reasserted his claim on Sunday that the Centre would soon take steps to meet their demand for statehood.

Trinamul, however, rubbished his claims and said Ananta is speaking under duress.

“We want reorganization of the erstwhile state of Cooch Behar as per the merger agreement that was signed back in 1949. Discussions have been held with the central government and we have been assured that our demand would be met. Many people are privy to this issue but are silent about it. There will be some developments soon,” said Ananta.

He was speaking at the sidelines of the 513th birth anniversary celebrations of Chila Roy that was organized by his association – GCPA – in Siddheswari village located near Banarhat block of the district.

Also known as Shukladhwaj, Chila Roy was a member of the Cooch Behar royals and is known to be the fiercest warrior of the family.

Over the past few months, Ananta has spoken on the statehood issue a number of times. “I am confident about it. That is why, instead of making any further moves, we are waiting for the decision,” the GCPA leader said.

Today, Ananta found a BJP legislator from the hills who lent support to him. B P Sharma, the BJP MLA of Kurseong who reached the event, reiterated the demand.

“We want a separate state and I have spoken about it in the Assembly. We should work together for this purpose,” Sharma said.

Last year, chief minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event at Ananta’s invitation.

On Sunday, however, no Trinamul leaders or elected representatives of the party were seen at the venue.

Partha Pratim Roy, a former MP and Trinamul leader in Cooch Behar, brushed aside Ananta’s claims.