BJP appoints Bista as national spokesperson

Mr Bista's name featured in a list of national office bearers for the party announced by BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda today.

SNS, DARJEELING, 26 EPTEMBER 2020 : The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has appointed its Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, as one of the 23 National Spokespersons for the party.

Mr Bista's name featured in a list of national office bearers for the party announced by BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda today.

Mr Bista later thanked top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Nadda, for trusting him and handing him a "big responsibility" in the party organisation. "I can say that I will shoulder my responsibility with loyalty, honesty and hard work," Mr Bista said in a release.

"I acknowledge the faith, love and blessings bestowed upon me by the people of Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency and also the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars whose goodwill and good wishes have made this day possible," he added. He further congratulated all those who have been given responsibilities in the party.  "I look forward to learning from and working with all my seniors and colleagues," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Bista today lamented the way the state government had allegedly refused to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the union government, which would pave the way for the establishment of a Sainik School in Darjeeling.

"Following my request for expediting the process, Defence Minister Hon'ble Rajnath Singh ji has informed me that his Ministry has sent two reminders on 11 th of June 2020, and on the 4th of August 2020. Yet, the West Bengal government has not signed the MoA," he said.

"I humbly request all t hose who are working for TMC in the hills, including their junior team to pursue this matter with Hon'ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeeji and get them to sign the MoA, so that we can set up the Sainik School in our region," he added.