GJM support base sliding as quickly as it had surged: Khati

KALIMPONG

22 Oct 2013

ABGL general secretary Pratap Khati has said the lack of sincerity among GJM leaders toward the statehood issue is the main reason for the slide in support the party is witnessing at present.

Speaking today with reporters here, he said, “The ABGL has reiterated time and again the support base of the GJM will fall as quickly as it had surged. It has eventually bowed before the state government. Morcha leaders have fulfilled their selfish interests while the people are left with nothing in their hands. We should never forget that all that glitters is not gold. Individuals not worthy of becoming leaders were pushed into the limelight by the people. Now, even the tripartite meeting supposedly scheduled on October 23 has lost all importance.”

The ABGL general secretary further said, “The GJM has always indulged in politics of violence. They murdered our leader and attacked us in order to suppress our party, but we did not change our stance. All we want is Gorkhaland, the single aspiration of all the hill people. Statehood is our democratic right and an honest leadership is a must to achieve it. Several anti-Gorkhaland parties are active today and this does not augur well for our cause. People should not become complacent but remain consistent in their demand as a lot of patience is needed for the Gorkhaland dream to become reality.”

Further, he termed the ongoing trend of GJM leaders joining the TMC as unfortunate, saying such a move by pro-Gorkhaland individuals is not good. He said the Trinamool is the most powerful anti-Gorkhaland group today and those who have joined it prove they are self-centered to the core. “Those utterly sincere toward the statehood cause will not make such a move,” remarked Khati, adding if the ABGL were to get the people’s mandate, it would work with added vigour for achieving Gorkhaland.

The ABGL leader went on with his tirade against the GJM and also included the GJAC constituents. He said, “We knew from the beginning Bimal Gurung was faking and that he would settle with the state government for the GTA. During one of the GJAC meetings he even said the joint forum was his ‘crown’. This was why we quit from the GJAC. We also doubt whether the Gorkhaland Task Force can achieve anything substantial after the failure of the GJAC. Our brothers have a habit of frequently changing strategies.”