Hundreds of Rajbanshis in Cooch Behar came out in the streets on Wednesday under the banner of Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association and resorted to protests against the recent remarks of a BJP MLA of the district in connection with the recruitment in the Rajbanshi-medium schools.

Mihir Goswami, who is the MLA of Natabari, was accused of being “anti-Rajbanshi” and his effigy was burnt in the town. Also, women Trinamul supporters held a separate rally late in the afternoon, carrying brooms and slamming Goswami for his remarks.

“He is acting against the interests of Rajbanshis and wants to stop the recruitment of para-teachers and non-teaching staff at the Rajbanshi-medium schools. The state has recognized around 200 such schools and has taken appropriate steps to depute teachers. The BJP MLA is simply trying to close down these institutions,” said Bangshibadan Barman, who heads a faction of the GCPA.

Barman, who is also the chairman of Rajbanshi development and cultural board and the Rajbanshi language academy, led the protest march that commenced from Raasmela Ground. Around 1,500 GCPA supporters walked in the rally that moved through different streets of the town. Finally, it reached Kutcheri More, a prominent crossing where Goswami’s effigy was burnt.

It may be mentioned that the state government has decided to recognize 200 Rajbanshi-medium schools which were opened in different districts of north Bengal.

In each of these institutions, it has been decided to recruit three para-teachers and a non-teaching assistant. While the para-teachers will receive a monthly salary of Rs 10,000 the assistants will receive 8,000 rupees per month.

Last Monday, Goswami spoke about the recruitment process.

“From January next year, 200 Rajbanshi-medium schools will open in north Bengal. However, for recruitment in these schools, the state has not issued any notification. A section of Trinamul leaders are proving these jobs against money in connivance with a section of the administration. I have informed Suvendu Adhikari (the leader of opposition in the Assembly) about this anomaly and if required, we would approach the judiciary,” the BJP MLA had said.

This has irked Barman and his supporters.

“His allegations are baseless. Officials of the district education department have visited the schools before recognising the institutions. Also, those who have been teaching in these schools have been recruited by the state. We want to make it clear that Rajbanshis don’t want Mihir Goswami,” said the GCPA leader.

The MLA sounded unperturbed. “All of us want Rajbanshi-medium schools to open and run here. But I have objected to the recruitment process. Bangshibadan Barman should remember that there are other community leaders like Ananta Maharaj.”