Hill TMC leadership slams GJM’s self-centered politics

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

10 Oct 2013

The hill unit of the TMC, with its influence increasing of late, has decided to organise public meetings across the hills after Dashai. The hill TMC met today at Jagannath Dharmasala to chalk out future meetings and strategies to further strengthen the party. The meeting was attended by leaders including Rajen Mukhia, Prabin Rahpal, Chewang Bhutia and Nanita Gautam among others.

A public meeting will be held on October 23 in Darjeeling that will be presided by party chief Mamata Banerjee. The hill TMC had recently organised a public meeting in Kurseong, which it claims has shaken the GJM to its roots. The party has also decided to hold similar meetings at Sukhepokhari, Soureni and other places.

TMC hill unit convener Rajen Mukhia accused the GJM leadership of hoodwinking the people of the hills. He said, “The GJM has only spread corruption in the name of Gorkhaland. The agitation for statehood was rejuvenated only after Telangana was approved. The people supported the GJM fully, but corruption within the leadership has forced the public to search for alternative parties.”

Mukhia added, “The CM is concerned about the development of the hills and the problems prevailing here. She provided separate facilities for the Lepchas for their development. We want the GJM to run the GTA and develop the region. We want the establishment of universities, medical colleges and other important institutions for the people.”

He further said the TMC wants Panchayat elections to be held in Darjeeling district also.

Meanwhile, TMC hill unit secretary Pravin Rahpal said the public meeting on in Kalimpong October 19 will not gather many people. “We do not want to gather people and create traffic problems in town. We will organise the meeting at Trikone Park and install loudspeakers at several locations throughout town. We are going to reveal what the GJM has achieved from the time it came to power.”

Hill TMC youth unit president Chewang Bhutia also accused the GJM leadership of engaging in self-centered politics. “The people no more trust the false promises of the GJM. Several of its supporters have joined us over time. The GJM has been claiming the TMC will lose its influence in the hills. We will showcase our support base on October 23.”