More than 250 join TMC..... ‘Switching of loyalty by a few will not affect party strength’

SNS, Kurseong, 22 October 2013: The trend of joining the TMC in Kurseong region is continuing. 

It was learnt that more than 250 people from different political parties, including the GJMM and members of Jan Mukti Teachers organisation have joined the TMC in Kurseong in the presence of the Hills TMC general secretary Mr NB Khawas and its Convenor Mr Rajen Mukhia. 

For the past few weeks a large number of people have joined the TMC from various regions in Darjeeling Hills and there is a possibility of more people joining its rank and file during the visit of the State CM Miss Mamata Banerjee in Darjeeling.

SNS, Kurseong, 22 October 2013: The GJMM chief, Mr Bimal Gurung with his general secretary Mr Roshan Giri, returned to Darjeeling Hills from Guwahati today, ahead of the chief minister’s Darjeeling visit. 

Talking to reporters at Tourist Lodge in Kurseong, Mr Gurung said that a few people switching loyalty by joining the TMC will not affect his party. 

He said: "Few people who joined the TMC are from the GNLF party and it will not affect the organisation, from any angle. Just putting up TMC flags in the town doesn’t mean that they are TMC men." 

He also said: "Earlier too, during the 1986 agitation, the ratio of supporters was 60 per cent for GNLF & 40 per cent for CPM and others. However, presently, only a few GNLF men have switched over to the TMC party. Hence, it will not make any difference." 

Regarding the CM's visit, he said: "It is good that the CM is visiting Darjeeling. It is her duty and she can come and go as she desires since it is her responsibility to visit Darjeeling from time to time." 

When asked whether the GJMM will meet the CM, he said that his representatives ~ the three MLAs of Darjeeling Hills from his party ~ will meet her. 

Mr Gurung also informed that he will camp in Kurseong Town to reorganise and reform the GJMM units here after 28 October. At the same time, when asked if Mr Gurung and Mr Giri will go and meet the CM if invited, Mr Giri said: "We will see about it." 

On the other hand, the Darjeeling MLA Mr Trilok Dewan, who was also present at the Kurseong Tourist Lodge whilst returning from Kolkata, said: "We met the All India TMC General Secretary Mr Mukul Roy and talked about many issues of the GTA, the problems faced by the people in Darjeeling Hills, including the jailed GTA members and GJMM activists, transferring of GTA departments, Tripartite and Bipartite meetings etc. 

In the meeting, Mr Mukul Roy appreciated the GJMM chief Mr Bimal Gurung’s announcement that Gorkhaland will now be discussed through dialogue. 

It was Mr Roy who has arranged for our meeting with the CM during her visit to Darjeeling on 25 October in which we are going to place all our issues before her. If possible, we can decide on the bipartite meeting after the meeting with the CM or go to Delhi as certain matters of the GTA are under the jurisdiction of the Central government.”