After GJM president Bimal Gurung slammed
the TMC for fielding Bhaichung Bhutia from the Darjeeling constituency
without taking him into confidence, Morcha spokesperson Dr. Harka
Bahadur Chettri also expressed extreme displeasure with the decision.
The GJM had apparently expected the TMC
to coordinate with it over the LS candidate issue, but the sudden and
unilateral decision has given the hill party a shock. Speaking to
journalists today in Kalimpong, Chettri accused the TMC of gross
deception.
He said, “The TMC had asked the support
of the three hill MLAs during the assembly elections and had promised to
support us in the LS polls. But now it has fielded Bhaichung Bhutia
without consulting us. This is nothing but betrayal to the hill people.”
Asserting that a party must always
interact with its allies before choosing candidates, Chettri said the
GJM will now move ahead on its own. However, he declined to divulge the
party’s strategy saying he has been unable to talk to party leaders over
the past few days due to ill health.
On being asked about Bhaichung’s
candidature, the GJM spokesperson said the former footballer seems to
have chosen to toss away the love and respect of the hill people for
him.
“Had Bhaichung set-up a football academy
in Darjeeling, he would have received the full support of the people.
But as he has opted to go against the aspirations of Darjeeling, against
the fight for national identity and other vital issues, he has lost all
the reverence people had for him,” stated Chettri.
The MLA from Kalimpong also claimed
Bhaichung has no affection for the people of Darjeeling and his decision
to jump to the opportunity without understanding the reality will
backfire. According to Chettri, regardless of a loss or a win, Bhaichung
Bhutia will be condemned by generations of Darjeeling residents.
Launching further attacks on the former
football skipper, the MLA said, “He has no knowledge of politics. For
such a person, starting from panchayat polls would have been a far
intelligent move to have made instead of leaping to fight in the Lok
Sabha election.”
Noting that the GJM had backed the BJP
in the 2009 polls following the assurance of support for a Gorkhaland
state, Chettri said the party strongly feels a local candidate should be
fielded this time.(EOIC)