Bihar–Bengal Districts To Become New Union Territory? Government Responds To Viral Rumour

Updated: March 08, 2026 09:30

Image Source: Matrubhumi English

A viral claim on social media alleged that the Central Government is planning to create a new Union Territory by merging several districts of Bihar and West Bengal near the Siliguri Corridor. However, the government has officially clarified that the claim is false and no such proposal exists.

A viral social media claim suggesting that the Central Government is planning to create a new Union Territory by combining districts from Bihar and West Bengal has been officially debunked. The Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government’s fact-checking agency, clarified that the claim circulating online is fake and that there is no such proposal under consideration.

The rumours gained traction after posts on social media platforms claimed that a strategic administrative move was being planned near the Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”—to strengthen border security and governance in the region. However, the government quickly intervened to prevent the spread of misinformation.

According to the PIB Fact Check unit, the posts misleadingly claimed that several districts from the Seemanchal region of Bihar and parts of northern West Bengal would be merged to form a new Union Territory. Officials clarified that the information is incorrect and urged the public to rely only on verified sources before sharing such claims online.

The clarification also came amid political discussions and speculation triggered by recent visits and security reviews in the border districts. However, authorities stressed that administrative changes such as the creation of a Union Territory require a formal legislative process and no such move is currently being discussed by the government.

Key Highlights

The viral claim stated that the Centre was planning to create a new Union Territory near the Siliguri Corridor by merging districts from Bihar and West Bengal.
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit officially labelled the claim as fake and clarified that the Government of India is not considering any such proposal.
The rumours mentioned districts such as Purnea, Araria, Kishanganj and Katihar in Bihar, and Malda and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal as potential parts of the proposed territory.
The misinformation appeared to gain traction due to the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land link connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country.
Authorities have urged citizens to verify information through official government channels before sharing or believing viral social media claims.

Sources: NDTV, The Print (PTI), All India Radio News, Hindustan Times, Times of India.

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