Shah vows PPS, Dad education hub, rural polls

REZA PRADHAN, SNS, DARJEELING, 13 APRIL 21 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the BIP would grant a 'Permanent Political Solution' (PPS) for this region and that it was the only party that could do so.

This is the first time that any top MP leader has spoken on the much-talked-about PPS in their Assembly election campaigns in the region.

"I know you all are thinking about the PPS. Our constitution is huge and there is a solution for everything in it. I take a pledge that both the governments after we come to power in Bengal will grant the PPS and you do not have to do any agitation for it," Mr Shah told an election rally in Lebong in Darjeeling today.

Mr Shah also mostly iterated points that he had already mentioned in Kalimpong yesterday, including that the BJP had no plans to implement the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) and that even it was implemented it would not harm the Gorkhas.

"There had been many false cases registered among many during the agitation period in Didi's regime. However, cases of some have been selectively removed after they sided with her. When we come to power here in a week's time, we will  withdraw all the cases," he further said.

Mr Shah also made promises about investing Rs 600 crore to solve the water scarcity problem in the Hills, reviving the Cinchona plantation by making it a medicine hub, implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006, ending DI Fund areas, making the Hills an education hub. Himalayan Circuit for Tourism, Panchayat elections after six months of coming to power, up-gradation of the Darjeeling municipality to a municipal corporation.

Speaking about the issue of granting tribal status to 11 Gorkha communities, he said that it was delayed because Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not want to attend meetings with the Centre on the matter. He added that a Special Investigation Team would be formed to examine corruption and favouritism on appointment of teachers.

Mr Shah also made a clear distinction between Indian Gorkhas and Nepalis from Nepal and said, "The Gorkhas that are here and Nepalis that have come from Nepal are my own and my brothers. Anyone who tries to intimidate them, do not fear, we are ready to fight with anybody who plays with their respect."