Published on: October 19, 2025 | 12:05 AM IST

Darjeeling: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Raju Bista from Darjeeling on Saturday alleged that his convoy was attacked by unidentified miscreants in Masdhura near Sukhia Pokhari in the hills of West Bengal. Bista, in a strongly worded Facebook post, described the incident as a “cowardly attack” and hinted at a “larger conspiracy” aimed at disturbing peace in the region.

The Incident

According to Bista, the incident occurred when his convoy was passing through Masdhura. The attack, he said, was directed at his vehicle but struck the one following his instead. “Though those cowards had attacked me, the force of the attack fell on the vehicle immediately behind mine,” he wrote.

The Darjeeling MP said the timing of the assault raised serious suspicions, especially since it came shortly after the announcement of an Interlocutor for the region, a move intended to facilitate dialogue and peace in the politically sensitive Darjeeling Hills.

‘A Conspiracy to Disturb Peace’

Calling the incident “suspicious,” Bista alleged that the attack appeared to be part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt stability in the hills. “The timing of the attack, following the announcement of an Interlocutor for our region, is highly suspicious, and points to a conspiracy at disturbing peace in our region,” he said in his post.

The MP went on to suggest that elements “loyal to Kolkata” could be behind the assault, implying the possible involvement of political actors sympathetic to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state.

Bista’s Reaction

Condemning the attack, Bista said such acts of intimidation would not deter him or his party. “We are not scared, and such cowardly attacks only embolden our spirits,” he declared. He warned those responsible that their “nefarious attempts” would not succeed in creating unrest.

“I am warning those who have tried to disturb peace today — we will not allow your attempts to succeed,” he said, adding that the BJP was committed to ensuring “lasting peace in the region.”

The MP thanked his security personnel and supporters who helped him after the incident and reiterated his party’s resolve to continue its outreach in the hills despite threats or attacks.

Allegations Against the TMC Government

Speaking to PTI, Bista accused the TMC government of fostering a climate of fear and violence in West Bengal. He claimed that attacks on BJP leaders, atrocities against women, and the exploitation of ordinary citizens had become “commonplace” under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration.

“This is the USP of the TMC government in West Bengal,” Bista told the news agency. “Wherever BJP workers, MPs, or MLAs are reaching villages, it causes discomfort to the TMC, and that is the issue.”

He alleged that the ruling party’s discomfort with the BJP’s growing presence in the hills was prompting such incidents. “These attacks are meant to intimidate us and stop our outreach to the people, but they will fail,” he asserted.

Political Context and Background

The Darjeeling Hills, long known for their political volatility and demands for greater autonomy, have witnessed multiple phases of unrest over the years. The recent appointment of a central Interlocutor to engage with local stakeholders was seen as a step towards restoring peace and addressing long-pending grievances.

However, Bista’s allegation of a politically motivated attack has once again brought the focus back on the fragile situation in the region. The BJP has a significant foothold in the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency, and any violent episode carries potential political ramifications.

While no official statement had been issued by the West Bengal Police or the TMC government as of late Saturday, BJP leaders from the state condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation.

Party functionaries alleged that such attacks were part of a “pattern of intimidation” against BJP representatives in West Bengal, particularly in areas where the party had made electoral gains.

Call for Peace

In his closing remarks, Bista reiterated his commitment to maintaining calm and stability in the region. “Our focus remains on peace, development, and the welfare of our people. We will not be provoked by such cowardly actions,” he said.

He appealed to the public to stay united and not fall prey to divisive politics, assuring them that the BJP would continue its efforts to ensure safety, dialogue, and prosperity in the Darjeeling Hills.