Arjun claims Lama edge over Baichung, Ahluwalia

SNS, Siliguri, 14 March 2013: The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) today claimed that the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha’s (GJMM) selection of the the BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia will instead help Mahendra P Lama, the independent candidate in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, secure a win.

DDUDF national spokesperson P Arjun said the selection was against the wishes of the Hill people, especially at a time when the GJMM had been repeatedly saying it will field a local candidate. "The GJMM has failed to get assurances from the BJP over the statehood demand and the BJP has not made its stand clear on the issue. It can be said that the GJMM returned empty handed from Delhi,” Mr Arjun told a press meet here. He was referring to the GJMM leaders’ recent Delhi visit where they met national leaders, including those from the BJP.

"The GJMM myth no longer exists in the Hills, while its support bases has eroded significantly. People will not accept Mr Ahluwalia. Neither Mr Ahluwalia nor Trinamul Congress candidate Baichung Bhutia is the son of the soil,” said Mr Arjun, who was recently sacked as the GJMM study forum member for supporting Mr Lama.