CM Suvendu Adhikari Revives Eastern Frontier Rifles, Targets Mamata on Gorkha Policy

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the revival of the historic Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) and the recruitment of over 1,000 Gorkha youths into the force. The announcement was made during a public rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district, on June 16, 2026. Adhikari, who assumed office as Chief Minister on May 9, 2026, after the BJP secured a majority in West Bengal, used the occasion to pay tribute to the valor and sacrifices of Gorkha soldiers and highlight his government's commitment to the region. The 'Eastern Frontier Rifles' is a paramilitary force under the Bengal police, established in 1920, placing its origins within the colonial era. It has a significant history of predominantly recruiting Gorkhas and has participated in major conflicts including World War II, India-China conflicts, the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and anti-Maoist insurgency operations. The force is headquartered at Salua in West Midnapore's Kharagpur. During his address, Chief Minister Adhikari sharply criticized the previous state government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging that it had 'frozen recruitment into the Eastern Frontier Rifles' and reduced the force to only two battalions. This accusation forms the basis of the headline's claim that 'Mamata tried to kill' the force, a sentiment explicitly voiced by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista. Adhikari further stated that unlike the former Chief Minister, who he claimed visited the hills 'as a tourist', he was there to work for the people and advance development. This directly corroborates and expands upon the context provided by related articles 1 and 4, which also mention Adhikari's criticism of Mamata Banerjee's approach to the hills. Adhikari also unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the development of North Bengal, assuring residents that all Central government welfare and development schemes would reach them smoothly. He promised transparency in government appointments and recruitment, vowing an end to corruption, and announced the establishment of a medical college in Kalimpong and the renovation of a major hospital in Kurseong. Plans also include efforts to reopen 25 closed tea gardens under the Pradhan Mantri Chaya Shramik Yojana and strengthen infrastructure, tourism, and sports facilities. Notably, during his speech in Kurseong, Adhikari remained silent on the long-standing demand for a 'permanent political solution' (PPS) to the vexed Gorkhaland issue, a promise often highlighted by the BJP in its election manifestos. However, earlier on June 4, 2026, Suvendu Adhikari, in his capacity as Chief Minister, had met with Government of India interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh regarding the Gorkhaland issue, pledging full state government cooperation towards finding a constitutional solution. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who was present at the Kurseong rally, had previously expressed optimism that the dialogue process would gain momentum towards a permanent political solution. Mamata Banerjee's previous government, according to Raju Bista, had taken an 'outright antagonistic stand' and 'repeatedly refused to pursue the path of dialogue' concerning the Centre-appointed interlocutor for Gorkha issues. Banerjee herself had urged Prime Minister Modi to revoke the appointment of the interlocutor, citing constitutional concerns and regional stability. Suvendu Adhikari's victory in the West Bengal elections, where he defeated Mamata Banerjee for a second consecutive time, marked a significant political shift, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule. His current visit and announcements in the Darjeeling hills are seen as crucial steps by the new BJP state government to address the aspirations and concerns of the Gorkha community, particularly after allegations of neglect and corruption under the previous administration.

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