Didi spends her day away from politics

Amitava Banerjee, HT, 15 Jul 2016, DARJEELING: While GTA chief Bimal Gurung fretted and fumed for not getting a chance to address the gathering on Bhanu Jayanti, chief minister Mamata Banerjee distanced herself from politics to spend a leisurely day in the Queen of the Hills.

Her love for taking walks in Darjeeling came as a boon for a student from Assam.

Madhusparna Barua from Assam had come to the town for admission to Darjeeling Government College.

As the admission process is already midway she was turned down. On her way back with her father, she suddenly bumped into the CM during her usual walk around Chowrasta.

“I had seen her in TV channels but never face to face. Seeing her, I suddenly realised it was Mamata Banerjee. I gathered courage and approached her and told her my problems. She asked the district magistrate to look into the matter. After I told the DM my marks, he asked me to fill up the form and promised to look into the matter. I did not in my wildest dreams imagine that Mamata was so approachable and helpful,” stated an elated Madhusparna. With Aranya Saptaha being flagged off by the forest department, the CM visited the venue at Chowrasta and oversaw the distribution of saplings and interacted with local residents.

She even planted saplings at Richmond Hill government guest house, where she stays while in Darjeeling.

In the evening, the chief minister decided to undertake the walk to Tiger Hill from Jorebunglow. After arriving at Jorebunglow by vehicle, she trekked up the 5 km road to Tiger Hill in the drizzle.

At Tiger Hill, she offered prayers at Sinchal Dham temple. Also, a cup of Darjeeling tea, momos and samosas elevated her spirits. The state government is constructing a tourist resort and is also providing camping facilities in this world famous sunrise point, 12 km from Darjeeling. The tourist resort will have a 50-bed capacity.