Kalimpong MLA and GJM spokesperson Dr.
Harka Bahadur Chhetri has said if the BJP fails to fulfill the
aspirations of the people again and lie to the voters, the saffron front
will get no more opportunity to enter the political arena of Darjeeling
as a player next time.
Speaking to the EOI in a recent
interaction, Chhetri said Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia is just a small
player in achieving a separate state of Gorkhaland and the main
discussions should be held with BJP chief Rajnath Singh and prime
minister-designate Narendra Modi with the GJM leadership knocking at
their doors in Delhi on When asked if he believes a state of Gorkhaland
would be finally created this time, Chhetri answered, “Seeing the
overall current situation, it is the most ideal to doggedly pursue the
statehood issue as the candidate whom we supported as the MP from our
region has won and his party has also succeeded in forming the
government at the Centre, which has always been in favour of creating
smaller states.”
At the same time though, the GJM leader
noted that just by making statements in newspapers does not mean the
hill people’s dreams will get fulfilled and everything will depend on
the overall policy of the BJP, on its stance towards Darjeeling.
Chhetri said, “If the BJP makes false
promises to Darjeeling, it will mean the party is just putting up a show
when it comes to issues of other regions in the country. But to make
our dreams come true, the GJM must also make a proper move. We also have
a vital role to play, they (the BJP) have provided us with a fertile
field to sow our dreams into and it is our party’s responsibility now to
decide what it wants to reap. It all depends upon the GJM leadership as
to whether it will plant an orchid or a cactus plant.”
When asked about the GNLF’s existence in
the hills, Chhetri noted it is necessary for that party to remain as a
strong opposition like the CPRM as this will be beneficial to the ruling
party, but the GJM leadership must be disciplined, educated, and
possess in-depth knowledge about the functioning and the goings-on in
the state assembly and Parliament.
The MLA concluded by saying, “Jaba samma
baliyo opposition hudaina tabasamma ruling party ka neta haruko beuwara
sudridaina”. (Unless there is the existence of a strong opposition, the
behavior of ruling party leaders will not improve).(EOIC)