Suvendu Adhikari Announces Withdrawal of Kurmi Protest Cases, ₹50 Crore Development Allocation in Purulia

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed a Kurmi community programme at Karadi Maidan in Purulia on September 20, announcing that cases registered during the community’s 2025 agitation would be withdrawn and outlining a series of commitments for the community.

Announcements for the Kurmi community

Adhikari said his government would withdraw cases registered against Kurmis during the agitation and would work to fulfil commitments made before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election. He also said the state had allocated ₹50 crore in the current Budget for the community’s development.

He said the government would work to ensure the inclusion of Kurmali and Rajbanshi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He also spoke about measures for the community’s development.

During the address, Adhikari criticised the previous government led by Mamata Banerjee and alleged that it had created divisions within the Kurmi community. These were statements made by Adhikari at the event.

The Kurmi community has been seeking Scheduled Tribe status and other forms of recognition. The issue has also drawn differing responses from Adivasi organisations in Purulia, with some groups opposing the demand for ST status for Kurmis.