GJM-backed BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia
today kick-started his poll campaign in Kalimpong. After he arrived
around noon, Ahluwalia marched from Jangabir Sapkota Park to Dambarchowk
waving to supporters accompanied by GJM assistant secretary Binay
Tamang, GTA deputy chief executive Ramesh Alley, GTA chairman Lopsang
Lama and other local GTA sabhashads.
Ahluwalia met the GJM town leadership,
party workers, minority community representatives, Hotel and Restaurant
Association members and RSS activists. He assured them all of working
with diligence to fulfill the aspirations of the hill people if elected
to Parliament.
Speaking on his familiarity with the
issues related to the region, the BJP candidate said, “I am well aware
of the aspirations and problems of the Gorkhas. When the GJM ignited the
statehood movement, I played my part of stalling the Sixth Schedule
bill in Parliament. As I am acquainted with the problems of the Gorkha
community, Bimal Gurung proposed my name from Darjeeling.”
He added, “If elected MP, I will fulfill my responsibility by earnestly raising the issues of the region in Parliament.”
The MP hopeful also said it is certain
the saffron party will come to power at the Centre this time. Admitting
the BJP government crumbled back in 1998 as it could not win the vote of
confidence by a solitary number, Ahluwalia said, “One Darjeeling seat
bears a lot of significance. If we can bag this seat, Narendra Modi’s
government is certain to form at the Centre and the BJP government that
comes to power will be the decisive one for the Gorkhas.”
He also took a dig at the Mamata
Banerjee government and termed the recent warrants against GJM leaders
and activists as “terror” tactics. “Just a few days ago, GJM leaders
Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri shared the dais with Mamata Banerjee at the
Brigade Ground in Kolkata. Why didn’t the police arrest them then? But
no sooner did the GJM announce its support to the BJP, the TMC
government issued arrest warrants in the names of GJM leaders and
workers to unleash a rule of terror,” asserted Ahluwalia.
He said he will submit his nomination
papers on March 24 while hinting Narendra Modi may likely visit Siliguri
next week as part of his poll campaign.(EOIC)