Alipurduar: Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new state government on Saturday, hopes are high in North Bengal that Falakata's two-time MLA and state BJP vice-president Dipak Barman may be inducted into the new cabinet.
Political circles in the region are abuzz with speculation over his possible inclusion, following the BJP's sweeping performance in Alipurduar district.
In the recently concluded Assembly elections, Dipak Barman retained the Falakata seat for a second consecutive term, defeating Trinamool Congress candidate Subhash Chandra Roy by a massive margin of 45,999 votes.
A school teacher by profession and a resident of Falakata, Barman became associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his student days. After completing his Master's degree in English from the University of North Bengal in 1999, he began his teaching career and later joined Deogaon High School in Falakata as headmaster.
Alongside his professional life, Barman steadily built his political career within the BJP. In the 2021 Assembly elections, he was fielded by the party from the Falakata Constituency, then considered a stronghold of veteran Trinamool Congress leader Anil Adhikari. In a closely fought contest, Barman defeated Trinamool candidate Subhash Chandra Roy by 3,990 votes to secure the seat for the BJP.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, Barman once again faced Roy and registered a landslide victory, significantly increasing his winning margin. Apart from serving as the BJP's state vice-president, he has also played a key organisational role in strengthening the party's base in Alipurduar district.
Political observers believe his leadership was instrumental in the BJP's clean sweep in Alipurduar district, where the party won all five Assembly seats with record victory margins. Reacting to the victory, Dipak Barman said: "The people of Falakata had blessed me earlier and this time too they have reposed their faith in me. Though I could not fulfil all expectations, people continued to support us and I remain grateful."
He further claimed that the BJP leadership had assured the establishment of an AIIMS in North Bengal. "This will be one of the biggest gifts for the people of the region. The long-standing deprivation in the healthcare sector is finally set to be addressed," he said.
Speaking on the party's priorities, Barman said tea garden workers in North Bengal would remain a major focus area. "Their wages will be increased and steps will be taken to provide land rights and pattas to tea garden workers," he added.
On the issue of post-poll violence, Barman urged BJP workers to maintain restraint. "People voted for change and placed their trust in us. Our workers must ensure that this faith is not broken," he said.