A leader of a faction of the Greater Cooch Behar Peoples’ Association (GCPA), known to be relatively closer to Trinamul, on Thursday demanded immediate recognition of Rajbanshi-medium primary schools from the state government.

“The state has not yet sent its approval to around 200 primary schools of Rajbanshi medium. Let us make it clear that if the approval is not granted immediately, we will have to think whether to support Trinamul in the panchayat elections,” said Bangshibadan Barman, who heads the faction, at a public meeting held by the GCPA on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri town.

Barman said chief minister Mamata Banerjee recognised the Rajbanshi language and formed a language academy and development board for the community.

“It is because of these that we supported her in many elections. But it is necessary to introduce primary education in Rajbanshi language for which approval is required,” said the GCPA leader, an office bearer of the language academy and development board.

An observer said Barmanknew Trinamul depended on Rajbanshi votes in north Bengal, which is why he was trying to exert pressure ahead of rural polls.

“The central government should refrain from making any attempt to carve out a Union territory. It will have to create Cooch Behar state as was written in the merger agreement (of 1949),” Barman added.

Barman and Ananta Maharaj — who heads the other faction — appear to be cordial with Mamata but often speak on the demand, knowing well that the Trinamul-led government is against it.