Minister Deb hits back -There is no question of any new proposal on Gorkhaland. The party's earlier stand still exists

SNS, SILIGURI, 12 DECEMBER : State tourism minister Gautam Deb today came down heavily on Darjeeling district CPIM leaders and their comments on the recent political developments in Darjeeling Hills after 'fugitive' Gorkha leader Burial Gurung has made a comeback to his area after over three years.

Terming their comments 'unfortunate' and 'illusory', Mr Deb said: "My party's stand is clear. There is no question of any new proposal on Gorkhaland. The party's earlier stand still exists. It is their illusory comments." Describing the proposal to be tabled in the Assembly, Mr Deb said: "Is there any question of secrecy in Assembly? But it is unfortunate that such a message is circulated among the people via media."

"How they can claim that such a proposal has been initiated following strategies formulated by PK (Prashant Kishor)? It is totally confusing and a plan to confuse people and maintain a relationship with the BJP" Mr Deb said.

According to the minister, the CPIM used to maintain "strategic unity" with the late Subash Ghishing since 1985 to ensure seats in the Assembly and retain power in Bengal by winning the Siliguri Assembly seat, comprising Mirik,"though they were in no position to go to the Hills after crossing Sukna."

"Gorkhaland movement began during the Left regime, and after setting up the DGHC (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council), the CPIM ruled Bengal over 25 years, but the then government could not resolve the Hill issues permanently," Mr Deb said.