The persistent demand for a separate state with districts from North Bengal has taken center stage in West Bengal politics.

North Bengal is widely perceived to have lagged behind the rest of the state in terms of development. TV9 Bangla is bringing together the brightest minds in North Bengal to discuss this central question and possible solutions. To be sure, these are critical questions for the future of not only this region but also the entire state.

A galaxy of Union ministers, state cabinet ministers, ruling party leaders, opposition MPs, and veteran politicians will attend the conclave, which will take place on January 28 at 5 p.m. at the Hotel Royal Sarovar in Siliguri.

TV9 Bangla, the preferred medium for the state’s discerning audience, presents a conclave to spark intelligent discourse and vibrant churning of thought that defines the news channel’s DNA.

This event aims to identify and address issues that have largely gone unanswered by political parties, state authorities, and local governments over the years. With the central theme “Kyamon Acho Uttar Bongo” (How are you, North Bengal?) the discussion would look into whether statehood would help the region’s overall development, a possible roadmap for future development, economic and business prospects, and relevant questions.

The event will be hosted by Amritanshu Bhattacharya, managing editor of TV9 Bangla, and Anirban Choudhury, consulting editor of TV9 Bangla. Shankar Ghosh, MLA, Siliguri from the BJP; Udayan Guha, minister of North Bengal Development and TMC leader; Ashok Bhattacharya, former minister and CPI(M) leader; and educationist Biplab Sengupta will enrich the proceedings with their extensive knowledge of the region’s politics, people, and development process.