Security breach mars Mamata’s Dooars march

A brief security scare marked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s padyatra in the Dooars on Wednesday when two youths allegedly breached the security cordon and approached her during the march.

According to eyewitnesses, the two youths suddenly broke through the security ring and reached close to the Chief Minister, kneeling on the road and touching their heads in a gesture of respect before fleeing the spot. Banerjee appeared momentarily startled and paused for a few seconds before resuming the march.

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The incident occurred as she was proceeding towards Chalsa More during her padyatra from Nagrakata’s Mangalbari Bazaar. Security personnel were caught off guard, and the two youths managed to escape before they could be apprehended.

Despite the brief disruption, the programme continued, culminating in a cultural welcome by Adivasi women, who performed traditional dances.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had addressed an election rally in Islampur before arriving in Siliguri, where she led a nearly 3.5-km padyatra along Hill Cart Road, accompanied by party leaders and candidates, including Gautam Deb.

Large crowds lined both sides of the road, with the Chief Minister greeting people and exchanging New Year wishes on the occasion of the Bengali New Year.

Deb expressed satisfaction over the turnout, describing the march as “highly successful.” “I have worked with Didi for many years and witnessed several padyatras in Siliguri, but this one has been exceptionally successful,” he said. He further claimed that Banerjee had expressed confidence in his electoral prospects before leaving, telling him, “You have already won.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition, particularly BJP candidate Sankar Ghosh, intensified attacks on civic issues after the march. Accompanied by media persons, Ghosh highlighted problems related to drinking water supply and the poor condition of roads, pointing to non-functional public water points and inadequate infrastructure in several areas.

With campaigning gaining momentum, the contest in the Siliguri Assembly constituency has entered a decisive phase, with both the Trinamul Congress and the BJP stepping up efforts ahead of polling on 23 April.