Narendra Modi Sidesteps ‘Gorkhaland’

Wepen, WEPEN Desk, April 3, 2019:  Narendra Modi was overtly cautious this time. On the campaign trail in Siliguri on Wednesday the Prime Minister steered clear from making any comment on the Gorkhaland issue or the inclusion of 11 Gorkha sub communities in the Scheduled Tribes list. Not only this, there wasn’t even a slightest hint on these two issues.

However, Modi attempted to thaw the NRC issue by blaming the opposition camp for spreading rumours regarding the NRC. Incidentally BJP President Amit Shah during a campaign rally in Alipurduar had declared that if voted to power the BJP Government would ensure that NRC is implemented in Bengal.

“I assure the Gorkhas that they will in no way be harmed by the NRC,” stated Modi. He then went onto to warn TMC sympathizers that their days are numbered.

“All those who are in the payrolls of the TMC  and those who are harassing the innocents, let me tell you will soon be answerable to the law as soon as the NDA Government comes to power. The unholy nexus with TMC will end soon,” stated Modi without naming anyone.

He then urged the public to vote for BJP candidates in North Bengal including Raju Bista. “I know Raju for the past two decades. He is one of you and will look after your needs. I will stand by him. Your vote will go straight to my account (Khata),” stated Modi.

All  eyes were trained on Modi for his stand on the separate state demand, an issue that usually decides the fate of the polls in the three assembly segments of the constituency namely Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.

The previous poll arithmetic shows that the candidates who bags the chunk of the Hill votes emerges as the winner in the Darjeeling constituency. In the general election campaign in 2014, Modi had stated, “The dream of the Gorkhas is my dream.”

In the state Assembly election campaign in 2016, Modi had assured that his Government would work to include the 11 Gorkha sub communities in the Scheduled Tribe list. This time however he sidestepped both the issues.

Modi indulged in attacking Mamata Banerjee by calling her a “speed breaker” to developmental activities. “Her boat will soon sink. I know of all your problems but am waiting for the exit of the speed breaker,” stated Modi.

He stated that Mamata Banerjee does not allow development schemes that can elevate poverty from being implemented in the State. “She does politics on poverty. If poverty ends her politics will also end. Same is with the Congress and Communists. They need poverty. So they have applied brakes to development,” alleged Modi.

He further stated that the TMC leaders, Ministers, MLAs and friends have usurped money of the poor from chit funds.

He also stated that the “Chowkidaar” had entered Balakot, the heartland of terror and eliminated terrorists. “The amount of pain that Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi felt; more than that Didi felt the pain sitting in Kolkata,” stated Modi.

Modi on Wednesday addressed a BJP rally in Kawakhali, Siliguri. Modi in his address made the public present raise both their hands, clench their fists and loudly take oath “Main Chowkidaar Hoon” before departing for Brigade Parade Grounds, Kolkata.

Meanwhile before departing for Dinhata in the Coochbehar district, Mamata Banerjee stated, “The day has not ended. I will answer Modi from Dinhata.”

Binoy Tamang has stated that the Gorkhas should not buy Modi’s verbal assurances. “We do not trust Narendra Modi’s verbal assurances that Gorkhas will not be affected by the NRC. Let him pass an ordinance stating that NRC will not affect Gorkhas anywhere in India, then only will we take his assurances,” stated Binoy Tamang, President, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

Tamang further stated that Modi and his government are not sincere about the Gorkhaland issue or issues pertaining to North Bengal.

“Though Gorkhas were eager to hear what Narendra Modi will do for Gorkhaland, his 34 minute speech had nothing on Gorkhaland or issues pertaining to North Bengal. The 34 minutes were spent in criticizing Mamata Banerjee. This shows their attitude towards Gorkhas and North Bengal,” stated Tamang.