How will the parties come together now, when they could not come together for statehood

Kalimpong,Pradip Lohagun: Under the political situation prevailing in the hills, the decision of Dr. Mahendra P Lama to contest as an independent candidate for the Lok Sabha elections might not be successful, opined Kalimpong MLA and senior GJM leader Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri at a press meet today. He added there have been no discussions within the party over Lama’s announcement.
Chettri said, “How will the parties come together now, when they could not come together for statehood? It is impossible”. He also questioned talks about the increasing influence of Lama in the hills. “It is good if he can influence the people. But even a donkey can win elections if it has a majority. The capability of a person becomes a secondary issue. What has Lama, with his reported knowledge and capability, done for the people of the hills? We have heard he is a member of the National advisory committee.
But when oppression by the state government increased on the Gorkhas, he did not take the matter to the government. He could have easily taken it to the centre,” said Chettri commenting on Lama’s announcement to fight for the development of the hills.
The GJM leader further said if Lama has the ‘formula’ for the formation of a new state, he could use it without contesting for the Lok Sabha elections.
According to Chettri, challenging the government politically for the rights of the people is the only way to help them. “We have not seen him (Lama) representing the people even after receiving nationwide recognition. I am commenting on Lama based on what I know of him. I see his announcement only as a desire to come to power,” added Chettri.