Siliguri - The Purbottar

28 Mar

Devotion or Strategy? Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb Chants “Jai Shri Ram” on the Campaign Trail

nanika EditorSiliguri

In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of North Bengal, Siliguri Mayor and Trinamool Congress candidate Gautam Deb made a striking appearance at the city’s Ram Navami celebrations this Friday. Dressed in traditional saffron attire, the veteran leader’s participation has sparked intense debate—is this a genuine display of unity or a calculated masterstroke ahead of the Assembly elections? The atmosphere at Mallaguri, the starting point of the grand procession, was charged with fervor as Gautam Deb arrived at the platforms hosted by the Bangiya Hindu Mahamancha and the Ram Sewa Samity. In a visual that few…

15 Sep

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista lauds 55 years of Kurseong Body Building Championship

Banasree SarkarSiliguri

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Sunday praised the efforts of the Kurseong Divisional Body Building and Fitness Association for successfully organizing the 55th Mr. Kurseong Body Building Championship. The event was held at the Community Hall in Kurseong and saw the participation of several fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders from across the region. The championship, which has been organized for more than five decades without a break, is one of the oldest bodybuilding events in the hills. Speaking about the achievement, Bista said that while conducting a competition for one or two years may be simple, maintaining the tradition for 55…

15 Sep

Narendra Cup to promote Fit and drug-free India, says Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

Banasree SarkarSiliguri

The hills of Darjeeling and the plains around Siliguri are alive with excitement as the Narendra Cup Football Tournament is underway, bringing together players, teams, and football lovers from different corners of the region. The event, which began on September 11, will continue till September 17, and has already drawn a large number of spectators to its venues. On Saturday, Member of Parliament from Darjeeling and BJP National Spokesperson, Raju Bista, visited the New Chamta Football Ground near Sukna to watch the matches and to interact with the players as well as local residents. His presence added a boost of…

12 May

MPLAD funded Bir Chilarai Bhawan inaugurated in North Bengal

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

Member of Parliament from Darjeeling and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista inaugurated the newly constructed “Bir Chilarai Bhawan” at Kawakhari, Medical More in Siliguri on Sunday. The building, named after the legendary warrior Bir Chilarai, has been partially built with funds from the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme. The event was organised by the Siliguri Kamata Cultural Society and saw large participation from members of the Rajbanshi-Kamatapuri community. People from different parts of Siliguri, the Terai, Dooars and Darjeeling Hills gathered to witness the historic moment and celebrate their cultural unity. Bista praised the Koch-Rajbanshi community for their strong…

06 May

Raju Bista appeals for urgent CSR expansion in Sevoke-Rangpo region

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, met with Hari Mohan Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of IRCON International Limited and raised several important issues concerning the people living along the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line, especially those affected by the October 2023 floods. During the meeting, Raju Bista appreciated the work IRCON has done through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. He said these CSR activities have helped many communities living near the Teesta River and also strengthened local support for the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project. He praised the company’s commitment to development in the region and said their efforts have made…

02 May

No ‘Ghotala’ in development funds, Bista warns local leaders

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista held an important meeting with elected representatives of the region, including Darjeeling Municipality Councilors and Panchayat Members from nearby rural areas. The meeting was focused on reviewing the implementation of several Central Government-funded schemes in Darjeeling and surrounding districts. Speaking during the meeting, Bista said that the Union Government is committed to the development of the hill region and has already approved large amounts of funds for major infrastructure and public service projects. He stressed that proper and honest use of these funds is the responsibility of all elected representatives and local…

30 Apr

Raju Bista calls for urgent infrastructure overhaul at Siliguri court

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, during his address at the Siliguri Bar Association praised the contribution of lawyers in upholding justice and democratic values, while also raising serious concerns over the poor state of infrastructure at the Siliguri Court. Speaking at the event attended by legal professionals from across Siliguri and the North Bengal region, Bista called the gathering a meeting of "some of the finest legal minds." He highlighted the importance of the legal profession in maintaining the strength of the Constitution, protecting civil liberties and ensuring the rule of law. “Our lawyers are the backbone of our justice system.…

25 Apr

NSE turns solidarity into action with ₹4 lakh support per family

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) stands in solidarity with the victims of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, and has pledged Rs. 1 crore in total (i.e. approximately Rs. 4 lakhs per family) to support the families of the deceased who lost their lives in the cruel act of violence. NSE stands with the nation at this time of grief and crisis. Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, said, “This is a moment of collective mourning for our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families, and we…

24 Apr

Gorkha Cup inaugurated with pride and power

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

The spirit of sports came alive at Pioneer Ground on Panighatta Road in Bagdogra, Siliguri, as the first-ever Gorkha Cup – a national-level elite boxing championship was inaugurated with much enthusiasm and pride. The event was graced by Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, who officially opened the tournament in the presence of several decorated sports heroes and respected guests. The championship is being organized by the Siliguri Boxing Association which is affiliated with the Darjeeling District Boxing Association. It is also supported by the Tenzing Norgay Smriti Sangha. The organizers say the Gorkha Cup is not just a…

23 Apr

Rs 1,503 cr sanctioned for Darjeeling under AMRUT 2.0

Sonakshi SarkarSiliguri

Urban development in the Darjeeling region has received a major boost with the central government’s continued support through the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. Member of Parliament Raju Bista has shared detailed information on various infrastructure projects under both AMRUT 1.0 and AMRUT 2.0, focusing on essential services like drinking water, drainage systems and green spaces across the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. Under AMRUT 1.0, the Government of India allocated Rs 1,929.32 crore to West Bengal, of which Rs 1,905.39 crore has already been released. For Darjeeling district, RS 206.8 crore was allotted for 18 infrastructure…