GJMM is using Gorkhaland issue for votes in municipality elections: TMC

SNS, Kurseong, 24 October 2016: Levelling allegation against Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha, (GJMM) that merely eyeing on the upcoming hill municipality election slated next year the party has initiated a fresh Gorkhaland agitation, the Hill Trinamul Congress (TMC) leader from Kurseong, Mr Pradip Pradhan said.

"The GJMM is using the Gorkhaland issue to garner votes in the upcoming municipality elections in the hills," added Mr Pradhan.

Stressing that if GJMM leadership is really sincere on Gorkhaland Mr Pradhan mentioned the former party should simply quit and resign from the GTA. "But they will not do so, as they are only securing their position in the upcoming election. It is Just an eyewash considering municipality election. Hence, instead of delving in sentiment, the hill people must be practical this time around. And accordingly, the hill people should support CM Mamata Banerjee led TMC party for the allround development of Darjeeling," he appealed.

Mr Pradhan has alleged that even after a gap of four to five years no development works have been initiated by GJMM party in the hills. The people are facing different problems, likewise inadequate supply of drinking water, proper roads,collection and decomposition of garbage amongst others. Hence, this time, people must come forward against such acts and ploy of the GJMM party and instead should support the TMC for development of the hills, "he maintained.

Contrary to the same, GJMM senior leader and GTA Sabha member from Kurseong,Mr Yogendra Rai said, "Since the formation of the GJMM party, we have always demanded for a separate state,"

Speaking of Mr Pradhan's aforesaid allegations, Mr Rai commented, "We will definitely contest the election but not for personal benefit. "Instead, this time, we will contest the elections to establish a mandate and public support on Gorkhaland Hence, to pressurize the central government regarding the demand of a separate Gorkhaland, GJMM have been staging different programs in Darjeeling hills and in Delhi_"