Fact-Check: TMC's Narayani Sena Claim - Half-Truths and Missed Context in Cooch Behar

The Claim

On April 7, 2026, at a public meeting in Cooch Behar district, TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee stated that the Centre is hurting the 'pride and self-esteem' of the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal by failing to honor promises made during election campaigns, including raising a 'Narayani Sena' battalion. Banerjee implied this was a deliberate attempt to undermine the community's identity and aspirations.

The Facts

While the TMC's claim centers on the 'Narayani Sena' battalion, a broader examination reveals a more nuanced picture of both central and state government initiatives aimed at the Rajbanshi community and the Cooch Behar region. Let's break down the key elements: * **Narayani Sena Battalion:** Amit Shah announced in February 2021 the formation of a "Narayani battalion in central paramilitary forces (CPMF)". He also stated that a CAPF training center for the eastern zone would be linked with Chila Roy's name. Mamata Banerjee also announced the creation of a Narayani battalion in the Bengal police, with headquarters in Mekhliganj, Cooch Behar. The current operational status of the CAPF battalion remains unclear and requires further investigation. The state government's initiative is a separate entity. * **Rajbanshi Cultural Recognition:** The BJP/NDA government has emphasized the cultural significance of the Rajbanshi community. Amit Shah announced a ₹500 crore cultural center for Rajbanshis and a ₹250 crore statue of Panchanan Barma in Cooch Behar. He also mentioned developing a national-level tourist circuit covering prominent temples and heritage properties in Cooch Behar. These initiatives aim to promote and preserve the community's heritage. * **West Bengal Government Initiatives:** The West Bengal government has also undertaken initiatives. Mamata Banerjee announced the formation of the Rajbanshi Development Board to carry out comprehensive development in Cooch Behar. She also unveiled a ₹1,100 crore development package for Cooch Behar. The West Bengal government has also taken steps to recognize Kamtapuri and Rajbanshi languages and has written to the Centre on February 19, 2026, seeking inclusion of the Rajbanshi language in the Eighth Schedule. * **Classical Language Status:** While not directly related to the Rajbanshi community, the Government of India granted classical language status to Assamese, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Bengali on October 3, 2024. This demonstrates a commitment to recognizing and promoting regional languages and cultures. * **Central Government Schemes:** The central government implements numerous social welfare and social security schemes, some specifically targeted towards Scheduled Tribes, which the Rajbanshi community falls under. These schemes cover various aspects like education, vocational training, and livelihood support. Data on specific beneficiaries from the Rajbanshi community under these schemes would provide a clearer picture of their impact.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has focused on infrastructure development and economic growth in the Northeast region, which includes Cooch Behar. While direct comparisons to the UPA era are challenging without granular data specific to Cooch Behar, broader trends offer some insights: * **Economic Growth:** A study found a 3.3% annualized growth in built-up areas across Parliamentary constituencies during the NDA rule (2015-2023), compared to 2.8% during the UPA rule. This suggests a potentially higher rate of economic activity in the region under the NDA government. This study also suggests that economic activity under the NDA government was more focused on the least developed parts of the country. * **Northeast Development:** While the NDA government has increased the sanctioned and actual outlays for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), utilization rates have been lower compared to the UPA regime. During the UPA era (2004-2014), the DoNER ministry utilized approximately 95% of all sanctioned funds. More recent data on fund utilization is needed for a comprehensive comparison. However, increased allocation demonstrates a continued commitment to the region's development.

"The Centre is hurting the 'pride and self-esteem' of the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal by failing to honor promises made during election campaigns, including raising a 'Narayani Sena' battalion."

The Verdict

While the TMC's claim regarding the 'Narayani Sena' battalion requires further investigation to determine its current status within the CAPF, the statement presents a **HALF-TRUTH**. It omits the significant development and cultural recognition initiatives undertaken by both the central and state governments. The claim also lacks context by not acknowledging the West Bengal government's own efforts to support the Rajbanshi community. While the fulfillment of specific promises should be tracked and held accountable, the TMC's statement paints an incomplete and potentially misleading picture of the situation in Cooch Behar.