Raju Bista flags Centre on Gorkhaland Territorial Administration road projects

 Request has been made to Giriraj Singh citing an incomplete project in Kalimpong district

Raju Bista : File picture

Vivek Chhetri   |   TT  |   Darjeeling   |  08.12.22  : Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista has requested a central probe into the alleged misappropriation of rural road funds under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Bista on Wednesday made the request to Giriraj Singh, Union minister of rural development, by citing an incomplete project in Kalimpong district.

“As an example, I highlighted the status of a road connecting Lower Bong to Lower Gairi Village PrimarySchool (Amle) under Kalimpong-1 block, which was to be completed within six months but has not yet been completed in four years by the GTA,” said Bista.

The Darjeeling MP said the foundation stone was laid on December 18, 2018.

“A sum of Rs 1,13,71,065(over Rs 1.13 crore) had been approved for the same by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA),” said Bista adding there were multiple cases of incomplete projects.

The BJP leader claimed that hundreds of farmers in the region had even donated their land for the road to be built and they have faced immense loss as the road was not ready.

“I have therefore requested him (Giriraj) to kindly order a probe by central agencies on all such projects in the GTA region funded through central schemes,” said Bista.  

Asked about the allegations, a senior GTA official said: “I will inquire into the matter and take necessary action.”

Observers maintain that with the state governments scheduled to hold panchayat polls in Darjeeling hills after more than 20 years, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to corner its political rivals in the hills.

“Such issues find resonance with the rural population and the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to identify with villagers at a time when Panchayat polls are only months away,” said an observer in the hills.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph