Independent MP candidate from Darjeeling Reseeka Chettri seeks support

The Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency having almost 16 lakh voters spreading in three districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and North Dinajpur is no exception.

Since the first general election till date till sixteenth general election, political parties have always been nominating male candidates. Except Maitree Basu an independent candidate elected as an MP in 1967 all the MPs were male.

Maitree Basu is a glaring example that an independent candidate can win the election and serve the society in better way.

Taking a leaf from Basu’s experiences and achievements, I, Reseeka Chettri is going to contest the 17th Lok Sabha election from Darjeeling constituency as an independent candidate. I appeal all esteemed voters to support me in my endeavour to serve the people at large with full honesty and sincerity.

Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency has always been the victim of governments’ and political parties’ apathy and I am in the fray to repair the damages done since independence. Today I want to make a promise that I will do my best to undo the injustices meted to the people of the constituency and will work for their overall development.

Following are the major issues which I would like to highlight and work and take to their logical conclusion if I am elected as an MP.

• 1: Creation of Gorkhaland: This is the constitutional right and the creation of a separate state would only make the country strong.

• 2: To provide justice to the victims of false cases imposed upon them

. I would work to ensure such victims in Darjeeling hills, Terai and the Dooars get justice.

• 3: Tea Garden minimum wages: The workers who produce the world’s best tea are amongst the poorest ones. The workers have the right to live with full dignity. Ensuring minimum wage is just the beginning.

I will also launch a movement to liberate the tea garden workers from the eternal exploitation and sense of belonging to the tea gardens in which they toil day and night through their sweat and blood by cancelling the lease of the owners on the gardens which is rightfully the ‘Bhumi ‘ of the tillers. The garden workers shall be made co owners of the tea gardens on a co operative basis . This will not only improve the conditions of the tea garden workers but also improve the productivity of the gardens of darjeeling and terai in terms of quantity and quality.

• 4: Panchayat election in Darjeeling hills: As the panchayat system is non functional since mid 2000, rural and poor people are deprived of their legitimate rights. This has also resulted in massive corruption.

• 5: Recognition of Rajbonshi/Kamtapuri language in the eighth schedule of the constitution.
• 6: Overhaul of education system: Though Darjeeling constituency has some of the best schools the credit goes to missionaries or private organisations. The governments have virtually done nothing.

• 7: Improve in medical facilities: The hills desperately need a state of art medical facility while the plains need massive improvements in the system.
• 8: Cinchona Plantation: It is the victim of government apathy.
• 9: Setting up of government rescue and rehabilitation cetre for the woman and girl victims of atrocities.

• 10: Darjeeling Mail from Siliguri: Darjeeling Mail and other long distance trains should either originate from Siliguri or stop at Siliguri. In the long run, Darjeeling Mail and Padatik Express should orginate from Sukna.

• 11: Deserving children and youths to be given all required support to make them excel in the fields like education and sports.