Political observers termed her categorical stand significant ahead of the Lok Sabha polls against the backdrop of several north Bengal-based political parties and organisations raising the demand for new states such as Gorkhaland and Kamtapur
In north Bengal and in some parts of lower Assam, many political parties and outfits have been demanding Kamtapur or Greater Cooch Behar state for decades
Bangshibadan Barman 's assertion is a boost for TMC ahead of Lok Sabha polls because the BJP, in its bid to retain its grip on the Rajbanshi-dominated Lok Sabha seats of north Bengal, has recently inducted Ananta Maharaj, who leads another group of GCPA, as the party’s candidate in Rajya Sabha
In Dhupguri, the sudden decision of the state BJP leadership to induct Mitali, from the Rajbanshi community that forms around 60 per cent of the voters here, has not gone down well with local BJP leaders