Raju Bista asks elected panchayat members to rise above party and work

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, JULY 12, 2023: Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista on Wednesday met BJP candidates from Kalimpong who had contested in the panchayat elections and thanked all of them for their dedication to serve the region and people. He also congratulated all those who hade won their seats, and encouraged those who did not to continue working for the people with equal dedication and sincerity.

“For the past 23-years our region has been deprived of grassroots democracy,” Bista said. “As a result, villages faced immense problems relating to crumbling infrastructure, non-provisioning of government services and projects, lack of implementation of central schemes and funds. The direct benefit of this was reaped by a handful of politically connected individuals and their family members. 

With gram panchayat and panchayat samities in place, most people are hopeful that the over 1200 representatives who have been elected by the people directly will help put an end to open loot of public resources.”Bista was confident that they would distribute welfare schemes like 'Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana' on the basis of merit, instead of nepotism and party alliances. 

” I am hopeful that schools in our rural regions will see rejuvenation through the direct intervention of these elected representatives, and that our healthcare system too can be modernized in rural regions." 

"The MGNREGA work will go to deserving people. These elected representatives and gramsabhas will ensure 100 percent utilization of 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme funds in their respective areas.” 

He request all those elected, no matter which political party they belonged to, to rise above politics and work sincerely for the people and ensure the development of your villages. “Ensure that quality of work is maintained, so that people from your village will be encouraged to elect you again in the coming days. My doors are always open for all of you,” Bista said.