Assam Seeks Joint Push With Bengal To Redevelop Madhupur Satra

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited Madhupur Satra in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Saturday to discuss a large-scale redevelopment plan for the historic Vaishnavite monastery, in a move that brings the two BJP-ruled states together on a shared cultural project.

Sarma was accompanied by West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik and a delegation of Assam cabinet ministers and senior officials.

The satra carries deep significance in Assam's Vaishnavite tradition, being associated with the closing phase of the life of the saint and social reformer Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. It remains an important religious centre for followers of the tradition.

Speaking after the visit, Sarma said the Assam government wants to develop Madhupur Satra on a scale comparable to Batadrava Than in Nagaon, Sankardeva's birthplace. Assam has already allocated Rs 35 crore for the site's development, he said, adding that the project should be carried forward jointly by both states.

According to Sarma, the redevelopment would reinforce the site's religious and cultural standing while also bringing out the historical ties between Assam and West Bengal. He proposed that a delegation from West Bengal travel to Batadrava Than to deepen the link between the two places associated with Sankardeva.

The plan could extend to nearby satras and religious sites, including Baikunthpur Satra and Baripur Satra, he said.

Sarma noted that the scale of the project would hinge on whether additional land can be secured. Should more land be made available, Madhupur Satra could be developed into one of North Bengal's major tourism destinations, he said. If not, the plan would have to be worked out within the existing 16 bighas, or roughly five acres.

Referring to Pramanik, Sarma said the development work would be taken forward jointly, with ministers and representatives from both states involved in the initiative.