BDF congratulates MP Konad Purkayastha for raising the demand of naming Silchar Railway Station as ‘Bhasha Shahid Station’ in the Rajya Sabha

After a long time, MP Konad Purkayastha has strongly raised in the Rajya Sabha the demand to rename Silchar Railway Station as ‘Bhasha Shahid Station’. For this, the Barak Democratic Front (BDF) has extended its revolutionary congratulations.

In a press statement, BDF Chief Convenor Pradip Dutta Roy said that the people of Barak Valley have long been disappointed because their elected MPs rarely speak in Parliament on local issues. In contrast, the way MP Konad Purkayastha has raised the demand for naming the station after the Language Martyrs is undoubtedly important and commendable. Hence, they are extending their congratulations and best wishes to him.

Pradip Dutta Roy further mentioned that the current MP’s father, former BJP MP Kabindra Purkayastha, had also raised the same demand earlier in Parliament. But the then government took no initiative. He added that the matter is very simple. In 2016 itself, the Central Government and the Railway Ministry had approved the demand and asked the State Government to issue a Gazette Notification regarding the exact translation of the name. But since then, the State Government has been delaying the matter. During the recent visit, when a delegation met the Chief Minister, he again said that the issue would be discussed or decided in the next visit. Dutta Roy said that unnecessarily prolonging such a small issue is disrespecting the collective emotions of the region. He added that the people of Barak are not beggars, and by keeping the name-change pending, the government is insulting not just one language but all mother-tongue lovers. Therefore, raising this demand in the Rajya Sabha by MP Konad Purkayastha is surely praiseworthy. He said they are hopeful that following the MP’s intervention, the Central Government will instruct the State Government, and this demand will be fulfilled immediately.

He warned that if this does not happen, the people of Barak must stand up, as this concerns their self-respect. He questioned whether those few critics proposing alternative names without historical background would have done so had the demand not been raised. He also asked whether they would accept if any railway station in Dima Hasao were to be named after a freedom fighter from Barak.

Dutta Roy said that all these arguments are irrelevant. People must now realize that just because the people of Barak are tolerant and believe in pluralism does not mean they are foolish or fearful. Everyone’s rights should be respected, but at the same time, they have the full right to ensure their own rights are not suppressed. Therefore, no more compromise — everyone must move forward with this determination, he said.

BDF Media Cell Convenor Jaydeep Bhattacharjee said that MP Konad Purkayastha has already met the concerned ministry and even the Prime Minister regarding various developmental issues of Barak. He specifically discussed the proposed Chandranathpur–Lanka railway line and the establishment of large industrial units in Barak. These are encouraging initiatives because, for a long time, MPs from Barak remained silent on these issues. He added that the role of the remaining MPs on Barak’s development has been disappointing. The true worth of a public representative is shown through his work, not by his loyalty to a party or flattery. Jaydeep said Barak has a glorious tradition of political leadership represented by uncompromising figures like Arun Kumar Chanda and Mahitosh Purkayastha. They hope MP Konad Purkayastha will carry forward this legacy.

Jaydeep also said that organizationally, they are neither for nor against any political party. Whoever works genuinely for Barak’s interests will receive their support. If MP Konad prioritizes Barak’s issues and plays an active role, they will continue to support and cooperate with him.

This information was shared in a press statement by BDF Convenor Hrishikesh Dey.