Darjeeling - People’s Forum support GJM-backed BJP candidate

11:20 AM

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Peoples’ Forum

Darjeeling - People’s Forum, which was one of the foremost critiques of GJM, has now announced its support for the GJM-backed BJP candidate for the Darjeeling LS seat. Forum Secretary Pravin Gurung, who shared the dais with GJM chief Bimal Gurung and BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia in the election rally in Mirik today, said the decision was reached taking into consideration the positive stance of BJP towards resolving the various problems of the Gorkha community.

Pravin Gurung People’s Forum

Pravin Gurung addressing the GJM-BJP rally said, “The decisive time has come for us to stand united in the larger interest of the community, leaving aside all personal hatred and differences.” Pravin said the BJP is likely to come to power at the centre this time and expressed faith the national party will resolve the primary problem of the Gorkhas.

Pravin stated the Forum has received positive responses on the six demands it had tabled before SS Ahluwalia. The Forum secretary also urged independent candidate Dr. Mahendra P Lama and GNLF supremo Subash Ghising to rethink on the issue of supporting BJP. He pointed out the contest between the Trinamool Congress, which has been promoting “Banga Vhanga Hobena” (Bengal will not be divided) and the BJP, which is ready to concede Gorkhaland, will be a tough one. Expressing fears that the voice for a separate state of Gorkhaland will be lost forever if TMC is victorious in Darjeeling, Pravin appealed to people to elect BJP candidate with a huge margin.

Source: EOI

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Peoples’ Forum slams GJM on various issues

10:21 AM

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Peoples’ Forum

Peoples’ Forum Secretary Pravin Gurung, who is in Mirik currently, claimed that the GJM has failed to maintain the roster for the appointment of 630 candidates for primary schools teachers. Speaking to media persons in Mirik today, Gurung said those who have been appointed haven’t yet received approval letters from the government. “GJM has committed a blunder in the appointment procedure. Those who have been appointed have an insecure future, so GJM must redress its mistake” Gurung asserted.

Pressing that candidates with BT degree and those enlisted in the panel list must be given priority, the Forum Secretary threatened to go to the court with the matter and added GJM will be responsible if the case gets lengthened in the court. He also expressed deep concerns saying there are rampant corruptions going on in NREGS and PGSY works in 112 gram panchayat areas in the hills. He alleged bills have been illegally passed even in places where no works have been done on one hand while on other; wages have been assigned on job-cards in possession of government service holders and teachers. Claiming of possessing proofs of such illegalities Gurung stated he would knock on the high court’s door if the concerned department does not intervene in the matter.

Pravin Gurung interacting with journalists in Mirik on Sunday.

Responding to a question Gurung said the Forum has already sent a list of five names including that of Joel Rai, Munish Tamang, Gokul Sinha, Arun Acharya and and Swaraj Thapa to BGP and GTF, as probable candidates in the 2014 LS polls from Darjeeling constituency.

Gurung also slammed the GJM saying its leaders have become “engrossed in managing the business of GTA”. He asserted the GJM is willing to continue with the GTA and has also conveyed the same to the central government even though the people of the hills aspire for Gorkhaland. He added the Forum considers GTA to be unconstitutional.

Source : EOI

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