GNLF suspects BJP’s sincerity on statehood

EOI, Kurseong, 2 July 2014: If the BJP is really sincere about creating a separate state of Gorkhaland, the party should first pass a bill for it in the Lok Sabha, believes GNLF Kurseong branch spokesperson Daya Dewan.

However, he said he doubts the sincerity of the BJP on this issue. This can be gauged by the recent statement of Darjeeling MP SS Ahuwalia during a meeting held here. Dewan noted Ahluwalia had said the BJP has absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, but it is not the same in the Rajya Sabha. According to the GNLF leader, such a statement indicates that the BJP MP is actually campaigning for the 2016 Assembly elections.

He further said the BJP is not a major force yet in West Bengal, but if it were to emerge tops after the Assembly polls, it would not augur well for the statehood demand.

 “Therefore, if the BJP is really sincere about creating a separate state of Gorkhaland, it should show it by first passing a Gorkhaland Bill in the Lok Sabha. If such a thing happens, then the GNLF too will step forward in full support of the BJP,” Dewan added.