Members of Dhupguri Nagarik Mancha, a citizens’ forum in Dhupguri town of Jalpaiguri district, launched a relay hunger strike on Friday, demanding an immediate notification from the state government for the creation of the new subdivision.

“We want the state government to immediately announce Dhupguri as a new subdivision through a proper notification. Till then, we will continue our relay hunger strike,” said Aniruddha Dasgupta, secretary of the Mancha.

Last year, ahead of the Dhupguri Assembly bypoll, Trinamul’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had publicly promised the new subdivision by December 31, 2023.

Trinamul, which had lost the seat to the BJP in the 2021 polls, could win it back in the bypoll. Many believe that the promise of Dhupguri as a new subdivision played a big part in the victory.

After the election, chief minister Mamata Banerjee also said that the state cabinet had taken a decision in this regard.

However, no notification has been issued till date.

“Trinamul leaders had promised residents here a new subdivision by December 31. As they have not met the promise, we have launched the protest,” said a Mancha member.

On January 3, members of the Mancha held a silent protest in front of the house of Trinamul MLA Nirmal Chandra Roy. On Friday, they launched a relay hunger strike at Dhupguri-Falakata Road.

Contacted, the MLA said necessary surveys had been done by the judiciary and
the administration in this regard.

“But the state is yet to get approval from the judiciary to move ahead and create the new subdivision. Those resorting to protests should realise that the state government and our party are both sincere in meeting the demand,” said Roy.