People’s Forum to support GJM-backed BJP candidate for the Darjeeling LS

People’s Forum, which was one of the foremost critiques of GJM, has now announced its support for the GJM-backed BJP candidate for the Darjeeling LS seat. Forum Secretary Pravin Gurung, who shared the dais with GJM chief Bimal Gurung and BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia in the election rally in Mirik today, said the decision was reached taking into consideration the positive stance of BJP towards resolving the various problems of the Gorkha community.

Pravin Gurung addressing the GJM-BJP rally said, “The decisive time has come for us to stand united in the larger interest of the community, leaving aside all personal hatred and differences.” Pravin said the BJP is likely to come to power at the centre this time and expressed faith the national party will resolve the primary problem of the Gorkhas.

Pravin stated the Forum has received positive responses on the six demands it had tabled before SS Ahluwalia. The Forum secretary also urged independent candidate Dr. Mahendra P Lama and GNLF supremo Subash Ghising to rethink on the issue of supporting BJP. He pointed out the contest between the Trinamool Congress, which has been promoting “Banga Vhanga Hobena” (Bengal will not be divided) and the BJP, which is ready to concede Gorkhaland, will be a tough one. Expressing fears that the voice for a separate state of Gorkhaland will be lost forever if TMC is victorious in Darjeeling, Pravin appealed to people to elect BJP candidate with a huge margin.(EOIC)