Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Suvendu Announces Kurmi Case Withdrawal in Jungle Mahal Outreach
Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said cases against Kurmi protesters will be withdrawn.
The protesters had blocked roads and railway tracks in September 2025.
They wanted Scheduled Tribe status and recognition for the Kurmali language.
The protests led to arrests and disrupted train services.
Adhikari blamed the former Trinamool Congress government for using force and registering what he called false cases.
He said the Bharatiya Janata Party government would keep its promises to the Kurmi community.
The government has allocated ₹50 crore for the community’s development this year.
It also plans more tourism and is discussing major industrial investments in Jungle Mahal.
Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that cases against Kurmi protesters from the September 2025 agitation would be withdrawn.
The agitation sought Scheduled Tribe status and constitutional recognition for the Kurmali language.
Kurmi leaders said 51 people were arrested, including 29 by Purulia police and 22 by the Railway Protection Force.
Adhikari accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of suppressing the movement and creating divisions within communities.
He also promised development funding, expanded tourism and possible industrial investments worth ₹1 lakh crore in Jungle Mahal.
- Who
- Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Bharatiya Janata Party government and members of the Kurmi community.
- What
- The government announced that cases linked to the Kurmi agitation would be withdrawn and promised development measures.
- When
- The announcement was made on Sunday; the referenced agitation took place on September 20, 2025.
- Where
- At the Kurmi Karam festival at Karadi Maidan in Purulia, in the Jungle Mahal region.
- Why
- To address a major Kurmi grievance and fulfil electoral commitments concerning the community.
Bharatiya Janata Party Government’s Position
Previous Trinamool Congress Government’s Record
Handling of the Kurmi agitation
Bharatiya Janata Party Government’s Position
Suvendu Adhikari said the previous government suppressed the movement, used police against protesters and registered false cases, including against children and elderly people.
Previous Trinamool Congress Government’s Record
The article reports that the previous government registered cases after protesters blocked roads and railway tracks despite a Calcutta High Court ruling that the blockade would be illegal and unconstitutional.
Community relations
Bharatiya Janata Party Government’s Position
Adhikari accused the previous government of creating divisions among communities and within the tribal fraternity to isolate Jungle Mahal.
Previous Trinamool Congress Government’s Record
The article provides no response from the Trinamool Congress to these accusations.
Future commitments
Bharatiya Janata Party Government’s Position
The Bharatiya Janata Party government said it would support Kurmali and Rajbanshi inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, increase development funding and promote tourism and industry.
Previous Trinamool Congress Government’s Record
The previous government’s position on these commitments is not stated in the article.
- Announced by
- Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Cases to be withdrawn
- Cases registered against Kurmi members over the September 2025 agitation
- Reported arrests
- 51 people: 29 by Purulia police and 22 by the Railway Protection Force
- Main demands
- Scheduled Tribe status and inclusion of Kurmali in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule
- Development allocation
- ₹50 crore in the current year’s Budget
- Proposed investment
- Talks are under way for industrial investments worth ₹1 lakh crore in Jungle Mahal
- Additional plans
- Expanded forest and religious tourism in Jungle Mahal