Independent Lok Sabha candidate Dr. Mahendra P Lama today raised the issue of pending electricity bills at a time when there is a lot of confusion ongoing over the issue. Observers believe his move is also an effort to garner the support of those frustrated by the antics of the Gorkha Janmukti Morha.
The significant outstanding amounts that have accumulated as an outcome of the non-cooperation movement during the GJM-led statehood movement have become a headache and nuisance to the general public. Admitting he himself is confused over the matter, Lama sought a clear stance from both the state government and the GTA.
“Every time a consumer visited the electricity office to pay his bills, the counter was found closed,” said Lama. Now, people are being forced to pay astounding sums in terms of pending bills. The standpoint of the state government and the regional administration over this issue should be followed keenly.”
He added that in the event of the GTA deciding the outstanding power bills must be paid, the public should be ready to question it and the state government as well. Lama further said that as residents of the region are not getting to enjoy the profits being earned by the four hydel projects operating in Darjeeling, it is high time they should start demanding a share.
“As residents of Darjeeling, we are the owners of the region’s natural resources. We have to endure the ill-effects brought about by the hydel projects built on our rivers, but we don’t get to share the benefits. It’s time we now demand our just share,” declared Lama, even as he suggested all dues can be deducted from the dividend share of the locals.
Lama, who is currently touring rural areas in the hills, was in Kalimpong this afternoon. Speaking to media persons, he claimed youths have indicated a lot of support for his candidature. He also informed about the support sought by the Darjeeling Dooars Terai Development Foundation, an apolitical body he helped found, from regional and national parties and said, “Many parties have requested us to wait for some days and hence we are obliging them.”
Responding to queries about a possible division of votes, the DDTF eader said, “Vote division is only a speculation. Voters from the plains are also expressing a keen interest in us. However, any concrete comment cannot be made on this matter right now.”
Lama, who is a noted academician, also sought to hammer home that even if he were to personally talk with the prime minister and other leaders, the statehood agenda will make no progress unless raised in Parliament.
“Parliament is the only proper place to raise our issue. It’s sad that we never sent the right person to that august house,” lamented Lama.
Source:EOI
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| Dr. Mahendra P Lama |
“Every time a consumer visited the electricity office to pay his bills, the counter was found closed,” said Lama. Now, people are being forced to pay astounding sums in terms of pending bills. The standpoint of the state government and the regional administration over this issue should be followed keenly.”
He added that in the event of the GTA deciding the outstanding power bills must be paid, the public should be ready to question it and the state government as well. Lama further said that as residents of the region are not getting to enjoy the profits being earned by the four hydel projects operating in Darjeeling, it is high time they should start demanding a share.
“As residents of Darjeeling, we are the owners of the region’s natural resources. We have to endure the ill-effects brought about by the hydel projects built on our rivers, but we don’t get to share the benefits. It’s time we now demand our just share,” declared Lama, even as he suggested all dues can be deducted from the dividend share of the locals.
Lama, who is currently touring rural areas in the hills, was in Kalimpong this afternoon. Speaking to media persons, he claimed youths have indicated a lot of support for his candidature. He also informed about the support sought by the Darjeeling Dooars Terai Development Foundation, an apolitical body he helped found, from regional and national parties and said, “Many parties have requested us to wait for some days and hence we are obliging them.”
Responding to queries about a possible division of votes, the DDTF eader said, “Vote division is only a speculation. Voters from the plains are also expressing a keen interest in us. However, any concrete comment cannot be made on this matter right now.”
Lama, who is a noted academician, also sought to hammer home that even if he were to personally talk with the prime minister and other leaders, the statehood agenda will make no progress unless raised in Parliament.
“Parliament is the only proper place to raise our issue. It’s sad that we never sent the right person to that august house,” lamented Lama.
Source:EOI
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