I am not contesting the election to become a leader,but only to become a people representative - Mahendra P Lama

'I am not contesting the election to become a leader,but only to become a people representative from this constituency for a period of five years to work for the aspiration of the masses ' told Dr Mahendra P Lama during a interactive session with the member of the civil society today at GDNS hall in kalimpong .Since Lama declared his decision to contest the 2014 general elections as an independent candidate, a new environment has been created that has filled the people with a sense of excitement and hope. Lama who is presently busy visiting people across various places of the district to seek their opinion over his decision to contest the polls. He has also been holding talks with his avid supporters, while at the same time, people from different walks of society have expressed their eagerness to meet the academician.In this interaction today , the gathering welcomed and appreciated his move and pledged their support.'Let other do their work .we will do our work .one party has taken the initiative of development and the groups of other party is inclined in a fight for a separate state ,we just want to take up all these matter in the parliament in a different way, added prof lama. Lama said an MP can bring in a lot of changes to the hills apart from the benefits the GTA can achieve, and all these would thus be an added bonus for the people of Darjeeling.Even today he added that the aspiration for statehood is always there within each of us but for this he appealed the people to broaden their horizon and be visionaries.lama further added that he have decided to come forward for the welfare of the public and society and intend to contest as an independent candidate to carry on development work. He said he would not enter the banner of any political party for this, but would certainly discuss with all leading parties before contesting at the polls.He said the demand for Gorkhaland has not been introduced properly in Parliament and if he wins, he would help in this endeavour.  “We are still not able to justify our demands to the centre. The way to pursue with the demand also means a lot in Parliament. What difference does it make if a party representative keeps quiet after winning? This has been happening till now,” claimed Lama.

-Mukesh Sharma