TMC meet seeks changes

TT, Siliguri, Jan. 25: Trinamul leaders stressed the need for transparency and involvement of those from rural areas in the organisational affairs at a meeting of the newly formed Darjeeling district (plains) committee and core committee here today.

"We have to bring new faces known for transparency to the frontline of the party. It is unfortunate that there are some leaders whose certain activities are leading to unpleasant situations for the party in Siliguri and the surroundings. The district committee should look into these problems and make necessary changes in consultation with the state Trinamul leadership," a senior Trinamul leader from Siliguri said at the meeting held at the Kanchenjungha Stadium hall.

Another leader from Matigara said most of the decisions in Trinamul were taken by "city-based" leaders.

"Although we work consistently in rural belts of Siliguri subdivision, we are hardly consulted when decisions are taken on political programmes or internal changes within the party. There is also a disparity in taking up political activities in Siliguri town and rural areas. Such practices should stop," he said.

Trinamul councillors at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Nantu Paul and Krishna Pal, who were included in the core committee, were absent from today's meeting.

Sources in Trinamul said Krishna was away in Delhi for some personal work, while Nantu was in Siliguri.

Asked about Nantu's absence, Gautam Deb, the Darjeeling district (plains) Trinamul president, said: "We know Nantu is in town and still, he did not attend the meeting. I don't know why he stayed away."

Later, at the meeting, Deb said: "I will send reports to state leaders regularly. If we find some leaders are frequently staying away from party meetings and programmes, I will mention it in the report."