Cracks in Bimal camp-BJP pact?

SNS, DARJEELING. 28 AUGUST 2020 : Fissures in the alliance between the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (Bimal Gurung camp) and the BJP surfaced today, with a leader of the Morcha camp, Roshan Giri, alleging that the BJP had been trying to strengthen its party base in areas here by disregarding the spirit of the alliance. He also urged Darjeeling's BJP MP to work for at least three important Hill issues, and "not waste his energy in other matters.

"Our alliance with the BJP is more than a decade old and we have been faithfully playing our part. We played a great role in the victory of BJP MPs in our area from 2009 to 2019.  Now, we are feeling that some BJP leaders are disregarding our alliance," Mr Giri said in a release.

"During the time of BJP MPs like Jashwant Singh and SS Ahluwalia, who won from our area, the BJP did not try to strengthen their party in the Terai, Dooars and the Hills, as we were present in the field then. Now, when we are being forced to stay outside, they are taking advantage, or for other reasons, the BJP have announced membership drives in these areas,"Mr Giri said.

Alleging that Mr Bista was also a part of it, Mr Giri said that they could not understand if it was a programme announced earlier or an initiative of Mr Bista alone.

'We sent Bista to parliament for issues mentioned in their manifesto, namely permanent political solution for this area, along with tribal status for 11 different Gorkha communities. We want that he should not waste his energy in other issues, but concentrate and work on these two issues and also in bringing back those (Morcha leaders and cadres) who are compelled to live outside," he said.

(Courtesy & source- The Statesman- https://epaper.thestatesman.com/2802044/Siliguri-The-Statesman/29-TH-AUGUST-2020#page/2/2)