Darjeeling Hills-based Trinamul Congress leaders Rajen Mukhia to meet Mukul

SILIGURI, 26 FEB: A team of Darjeeling Hills-based Trinamul Congress leaders, led by the controversial anti-GJMM face from Panighatta in Kurseong sub-division, Mr Rajen Mukhia, is likely to meet the All India Trinamul Congress general secretary, Mr Mukul Roy, in Kolkata tomorrow.

Mr Mukhia, a former firebrand Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader, who, after a short stint with the All India Gorkha League (AIGL), joined the Trinamul Congress last year, today said many issues, including strengthening the mass base of the party deep inside the Hills, are expected to figure in the discussion.

“The meeting is likely to be held at the party office in Kolkata. We are looking forward to the meeting as the people of the Hills want the party to send roots deep across the region. We would request the party leaders to convince the state government of the imperative of holding rural polls in the Hills immediately for development. We are for peace and development,” he said.

Mr Mukhia, who created ripples several times by his staunch anti-GJMM stance, said they are hopeful of a meeting with the party president and the Chief Minister, Miss Mamata Banerjee.

“Mr Roy assured us that he would try to make the meeting possible. If the meeting takes place we would request her to hold a public meeting in the Hills. The people adore her and it is necessary to inform them about her developmental vision,” he said. It was learnt that around 19 party activists from Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik would meet Mr Roy. “Recruitment for vacant posts in government offices has remained suspended here since 1986 ~ the year the GNLF-led statehood movement hit the streets. It is an imperative to resume recruitment as a people-friendly government is now saddled in power,” Mr Mukhia said.

Apparently enthused by the party leader’s nod to plunge into activism against the backdrop of the GJMM baring statehood fangs, the party held a public meeting at Panighatta on 7 February.

“We expect an exodus not just from the GJMM but from other Hill-based parties into the Trinamul Congress in the coming days. However, we are still confused as the party has not given a clear instruction to take on the GJMM,” Mr Mukhia said.

SNS.