"Hill TMC leadership changed" a "surprise" :Mukhia not happy

SNS, DARJEELING, 16 DECEMBER : The 'sudden change in the Hill Trinainamul Conngress leadership has come as a surprise to many in and out side the party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday replaced Hill TMC president Rajen Mukhia with LB Rai, the Mirik Municipality chairman. 

Rajya Sabha MP and TMC, leader from Kurseong, Shanta Chhetri,was made the party's working president in the Hills. The development also comes with orders from the TMC high command to the Hill unit to limit its activities as  much as possible in the Hills at present, sources said. 

Rai was made the president of the TMC Hill unit, while Shanta Chettri and Subhamoy Chatterjee were made the working presidents of the party.The announcement was made by the chief minister herself in a core committee meeting," TMC  general secretary and spokesperson Binny Sharma said. Mr Sharma, however, did not say why there was the sudden decision to oust Mr Mukhia and bring in Mr Rai.

"I welcome the move but I do not have any idea as to the reason behind it," Mr Rai said today

Mr Mukhia said, "I want to congratulate Rai for being given the post. However, we were not given any reason as to why all this happened. However, I want to point out that I was with the party well during its hard times in the Hills when no one was willing to join us, and also at the time when the TMC could form the municipality board in Mirik. The contribution I gave to the party seems to have no value."