TMC holds rallies in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong

Mamata Banerjee's recent visit to the Darjeeling hills coupled with the resignation of Kalimpong MLA seems to have suddenly revived the Trinamul Congress in the region with the party holding three processions in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong simultaneously today.

Besides, the TMC (hills) has been receiving indirect support from five communities for which the chief minister formed development boards.

In Darjeeling, today's Trinamul procession started from the railway station and ended with a public meeting at Chowk Bazar.

N.B. Khawash, the general secretary of TMC (hills), said: "Today's public meeting and processions are not related to the developments surrounding Harka Bahadur Chhetri (Kalimpong MLA). The meeting is to focus on corruption in the GTA and better governance, and to look into reality. For long, we have been emotionally charged and the present situation is also an outcome of the emotion."

By emotion, Khawash was referring to the statehood issue.

Rajen Mukhia, president, TMC (hills), said there was lack of sincerity among some hill leaders even on the issue of Gorkhaland.

"They start talking about Gorkhaland when the flow of money dries up. There is lack of sincerity among the hill leaders even on the issue of Gorkhaland. Even Subash Ghisingh had started a statehood agitation but in all movements, only the common people had to suffer," said Mukhia.

In Kurseong, the rally started from Kurseong Tourist Lodge and ended at the railway station.

Only Binny Sharma, spokesman, TMC (hills), addressed the gathering briefly because of torrential rain.

In Kalimpong, around 600 Trinamul supporters brought out a rally from the Town Hall and later a meeting was held at Tricone Park.(TT)