Gurung supporters become active in Hills

SNS, SILIGURI, 11 NOVEMBER 2020: Supporters of Bimal Gurung in large numbers, mainly in the rural belt of the Hills, have started regrouping and actively working, following possibilities of Mr Gurung's return, according to CPIM leader KB Watter.

Mr Watter,who is the Secretariat member of the Darjeeling district CPIM, also said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has finally allowed Mr Gurung to return for her "own political dividends."

"Bimal Gurung still has a support base, especially in the rural belt in the Hills. A large number of his supporters, as compared to the Binoy Tamang faction, are now actively participating in group meetings," Mr Watter said, adding, "Bimal Gurungs supporters still believe Binoy Tamang betrayed their leader during the Gorkhaland movement in 2017. They also believe Gurung was helpless and his decision to join hands with Mamata Banerjee is the right one to return home, as the Centre failed to help him. Bimal's supporters also say that their leader would restart the statehood movement after capturing his lost ground."

"We don't know what the fate of Binoy Tamang would be, but Anit Thapa may change his present stand for his survival," Mr Watter said.

According to the senior leader in the Hills Mr Tamang has been showcasing clashes, which broke out among youths on a personal matter, politically.

On the BJP's stand on the Hills after Mr Gurung broke his alliance with the saffron brigade, Mr Watter said: "Since Bimal quit the BJP- led NDA, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has heaved a sigh of relief."