Mainstream ABAVP keeps rural poll options open

SNS, SILIGURI, 22 MAY: The mainstream Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP) seems to keep the political parties on tenterhooks vis-à-vis the upcoming rural polls as it has chosen to keep its cards close to its chest. This is despite the fact that the Chief Minister, Miss Mamata Banerjee has met a 10-member delegation from the outfit in Kolkata yesterday in an obvious move to bring them on board ahead of the crucial rural polls.

The secretary of the tribal outfit’s Dooars and Terai regional committee, Mr Rajesh Lakra, today, said they have not yet decided with whom to tie up. “However, it is certain that we would not support any party that has an overt or covert tie-up with the Gorkhaland protagonists,” he said at a Press meet in Siliguri.

“We have chosen to leave the final decision on the electoral tie-up to the discretion of the common people of the region. Whatever they would decide we would abide by,” he said.  

When asked whether there is any possibility of tie-up with the Left Front as the latter’s credentials as an anti-Gorkhaland force are even stronger than the ruling party, he evaded answer, passing the buck to the common people again. "Things would be finalised after the people make up their mind,” he commented.

“However, the Trinamul Congress has proved its anti-Gorkhaland credentials beyond any shadow of doubt with the chief minister having taken a rough and tough stance against the champions of the separate statehood. All options are open,” he added.

Asked whether the Adivasi votes from the region would be vertically split with two ABAVP factions crossing swords, Mr Lakra said there would be no split. “The community is most likely to vote en bloc for a single party,” he said.