TMC confident of defeating BJP in Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha poll

Key issues in Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha constituency include water problems, unemployment, health infrastructure, and demand for Kamtapur State.

Unaddressed drinking water problems, unemployment and inadequate health infrastructure, apart from persistent demand for a Kamtapur State, are the key issues in the Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal.

The constituency, which comprises six Assembly seats in Jalpaiguri district and one in Cooch Behar, will go to polls on April 19.

While five seats — Mekliganj (Cooch Behar), Dhupguri, Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri and Rajganj — are reserved for Scheduled Castes since 2009 following the Delimitation Commission's directive, Mal is reserved for Scheduled Tribes and Dabgram-Phulbari falls under general category.

Jalpaiguri is mostly dominated by Koch Rajbongshis (around 30%), tribals (above 10%), Nepali speakers (around 4.5%), Hindi-speaking people (nearly 3%) and Limbu (1.9%).

The remaining population is divided between Muslims, Hindus and others.

Incumbent MP Jayanta Kumar Roy of the BJP, seeking re-election, highlighted his efforts towards constituency development despite challenges and lack of State cooperation.

A doctor by profession, Mr. Roy feels the need for a "super speciality hospital" in the district to cater to people who have to rush outside the State during medical emergencies.