Dr Lama seeks meet with different hill pol parties

EOI, Kurseong, 5 January: Renowned academic and former vice chancellor of Sikkim University, Dr. Mahendra P. Lama, who has already decided and announced to contest in the upcoming 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Darjeeling constituency as an independent candidate, has sent a letter to different political parties seeking appointment for their support in the election.

Notably, under the banner of Darjeeling Dooars United Development Forum (DDUDF), an apolitical organization, Dr. Lama has announced to contest the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Darjeeling constituency.

Dr. Lama, who was in Kurseong today during a campaigning program for the general elections, said his organisation has already said it no political enemies and only needs support from all parties in the coming election. Hence, he has sent letters to all concerned political organizations, seeking appointment, so that, the organisation can place and share its views and issues to these respective political organizations to garner their support in the coming elections.

He said letters have been sent to the various parties including GNLF, CPM, CPRM and even GJM and the ruling TMC party. When asked, if he is ready to seek support from the TMC party, he said he will be seeking help from all organizations and individuals. He said he is even willing to ally with the TMC party provided they should have a common understanding on various issues, but stressed he would never contest the election under the banner of any political parties. He also said he has requested all the political parties to give him appointment between 11 to 15 January.

Meanwhile, in his address to his supporters at the meeting, he said “More than 50% of our identity problem will be solved, if we strive for education to make ourselves educated”

Dr. Lama further said the demand of separate state can also be achieved. However, there is a need for an appropriate time and preparation that should be done on different aspects. “We should thus think broadly and be broad minded in our views and thoughts.”

He also interacted and met the representatives and members of different drivers’ organizations in Kurseong. During the meeting, the representatives of the drivers associations and others shared and placed their different problems, which have been faced by them. He assured them of all the support from his organisation and laid out various points through which the problem pertaining to drivers can be met.

Later, Dr. Lama and his organization members also visited Rohini for campaigning. In the evening, he met some representatives of business community in Kurseong and interacted with them to sought their support in the coming election to work for the development of Darjeeling and its adjoin regions.