State/UT demand legitimate, but BJP stunt, says Gurung

SNS, DARJEELING. 23 JUNE 21 : Stating that the demand being raised by BJP MPs for a separate state of Union Territory for North Bengal region was "'legitimate," Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung today, however, said that the demand and issue should not be a stunt of the saffron party to gain mileage in the state after the drubbing in the recently-concluded Assembly elections.

Mr Gurung alleged that some BJP leaders like John Barla had been highlighting the issue only to gain such political mileage.

The Morcha leader was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme at Malidhura in Darjeeling where the Singallila Social Welfare Society was handed over 14 oxygen concentrators by the Baba Sidique Vichar Manch for their isolation centre.

Mr Gurung, one of the main initiators of the isolation centre project, said, "The political scenario here at present is not good. The BJP has not been able to accept defeat in West Bengal and is taking out the issue of separation of north Bengal from the state through leaders like John Barla. The demand for north Bengal being made a state is a legitimate demand and is irrefutable."

"However, I feel that they are only taking out this issue to gain political mileage in West Bengal to counter the affect of their defeat in the recent Bidhan Sabha elections," he said.

"We do not want to go against the demand of division of north Bengal from the state, but by using this issue, they are only fooling the people.

Even as one BJP leader is raising this issue, another BJP leader like Dilip Ghosh is making statements like Bengal will not be divided. They themselves are making two statements," said Mr Gurung, adding that false assurances were given to them many a times in the past due to which they parted ways with the BJP. The Morcha faction president also said that if they were sincere, then BJP leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Dilip Ghosh should openly talk on north Bengal being separated from Bengal.

While maintaining that they have to move forward with the issue of 'Permanent Political Solution for the Terai, Dooars and the Hills, Mr Gurung also stressed on the need of "saving" local political parties.