Mamata wins hearts, support of Hill parties in Darjeeling.... The Chief Minister, on a tour of the district, held back-to-back meetings with the GNLF and the GJM

Amitava Banerjee | MP | 22 Jan 2019 | Darjeeling: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee successfully sowed the seeds of a United Opposition against the saffron camp in the Darjeeling Hills on Tuesday. 

While the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) came out in full support of the alliance, there were positive indications from the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) camp as well. 

The Chief Minister, on a tour of the Darjeeling district, held back-to-back meetings with the GNLF and the GJM on Tuesday at the Richmond Hill Government Guest House. In the meetings, she stressed the need for a United Opposition for the ouster of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

"We are not going to favour the BJP and the NDA during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. We were there at the historic United India Rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on January 19," stated Binoy Tamang, president, GJM. 

He also stated that Mamata Banerjee was the best choice as the Prime Ministerial candidate.

"She managed to unite all the anti-BJP, anti-NDA camps and brought these power centres to a common platform. Her endeavour was highly appreciated by all the political stalwarts present at the rally," added Tamang. He stated that he, along with the GJM, discussed election in the meeting with the Chief Minister. "However, we will only discuss the details regarding the candidate after the election is officially declared. With polls being declared, there will be meetings with Mamata Banerjee," stated Tamang. 

A GNLF delegation also met the Chief Minister at Richmond Hill Government Guest House and submitted a memorandum. The delegation was led by GNLF president Mann Ghising. 

"In the bipartite talks with the Hill's political outfits in 2017, the Chief Minister had invited proposals for a long-lasting political solution in the Hills. We have submitted a proposal for the same. However, she stated that she is not in a position to commit anything before the elections. She will call for another round of bipartite talks after the polls," stated Niraj Zimba, spokesperson, GNLF. 

The GNLF has demanded that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) be replaced by a constitutionally guaranteed body with enhanced autonomy.

"The GNLF party still feels that the 6th Schedule with due representation of the Scheduled Caste and the weaker sections could be considered as the most suitable and credible political solution for the Darjeeling Hills. We are not only hopeful but assuredly sure that under your ablest leadership and stewardship, the innocent and politically oppressed people of Darjeeling Hills will get justice which has been denied by earlier governments," stated the memorandum. 

"We are optimistic that there will be a positive outcome. Mamata Banerjee delivers what she assures. From past experiences, we have seen that the BJP is full of false assurances only. We do not trust them anymore. The Chief Minister of Bengal should have a major role in national politics as she is undoubtedly the most popular leader in India. Brigade is an indicator that she is the only one who can pose a serious threat to the BJP. People of Bengal want to see her as the next Prime Minister," added Zimba. 

With the fast changing political scenario, it will definitely be an uphill task for the saffron camp to retain the MP seat in Darjeeling constituency this time.