GJM leader and GTA executive member,
Anit Thapa, at a press conference today said the party cannot do
anything to stop people from changing loyalties, but people who are
walking on political lines must first think of general public interest
and all round development of Darjeeling hills.
Thapa said, “In politics, anyone can
stay with their own party or join another party of their choice. Hence,
we wouldn’t like to comment on it. But the interest of people in the
hills is paramount and the development works of the hills must be
fulfilled.”
Notably, for the past few months several
people have joined the TMC party mainly by leaving the GNLF or the GJM.
On the same line, three-term GNLF MLA from Kurseong, Shanta Chettri
recently left GNLF and joined TMC, leaving behind years of loyalty with
GNLF.
25 TMC families in Soureni join GJM
In a major blow to the hill Trinamool
Congress, as many as 25 families today dumped the ruling party for the
GJM in Chuwandhura under Soureni constituency.
Rigen Lama, who joined the GJM, said
hopes about the TMC generating employment opportunities and fostering
development for youths have turned futile. Lama, who was the Chuwandhura
TMC unit president, added that instead of fulfilling its promises, the
TMC is hindering development activities of the GTA. While other areas
are receiving the benefits of development, Chuwandhura has been
abandoned because of the TMC’s selfish attitude, he claimed.
Besides Lama, local residents such as
Laxman Khawas, Bijay Rai, Devkumar Khawas, Jiten Rai and Mandan Rai were
welcomed into the GJM by Soureni-Panighatta sabhashad Arun Sigchi with
party flags. Sigchi said the GJM will not engage in favouritism and work
for everyone’s benefit.
Chuwandhura GJM leaders Bharos Rai,
Suresh Pradhan, Mirik block Youth wing secretary Sunil Pradhan and
Soureni zonal youth president Dipen Rai were present at the event.(EOIC)