Political drama unfolded in Siliguri as BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh sat on a hunger strike, demanding the protection of opposition MLAs’ constitutional rights and smoother access to MLA Local Area Development funds. The one-day fast, initiated on January 22, spotlights alleged TMC-led sabotage of opposition-led development.

Speaking to the media, Ghosh detailed a pattern of obstruction: ‘The state government and TMC are misusing authority to hinder our work.’ He recounted submitting memorandums to Mamata Banerjee without reply, letters to top officials ignored, and outreach to local civic leaders stonewalled.

At the heart of the issue is the MLALAD scheme, already modestly funded, which Ghosh says is being weaponized politically. Delays in approvals and fund releases, he alleges, are rampant, courtesy of a biased district machinery.

‘Our voters elected us to build roads, schools, and hospitals—not to beg for every rupee,’ the MLA asserted. The protest aims to rally support for unfettered use of these funds, crucial for constituency-level progress.

This isn’t isolated; Ghosh frames it as part of a larger clampdown on dissent in West Bengal. With the hunger strike poised to end the following day, eyes are on whether administrative hurdles will ease or intensify.

In Bengal’s charged atmosphere, such actions highlight the fragile balance between ruling might and opposition resilience, potentially setting precedents for future legislative battles.