Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Govt Of Ignoring Darjeeling, Gorkha Issues

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of refusing to engage in discussions on issues concerning the Darjeeling Hills and the Gorkha community.

Shah said that the state government rejected three separate proposals for meetings over the past 1.5 years to address concerns in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong.

The Minister made the remarks through a video message after being unable to attend a scheduled public rally at Lebong Ground in Darjeeling due to inclement weather, which prevented his helicopter from landing.

“I have talked about the meeting three times to discuss the hills and the Gorkhas issues in the last one and a half years. But Mamata Banerjee did not send any of her representatives to New Delhi to discuss the matter. She does not want the Gorkhas living in Darjeeling to get justice and their legitimate rights. But do not worry. After the Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government in the state on May 5, our first task will be to resolve the Gorkhas’ problems. All the complaints and cases filed against the Gorkhas over the Gorkhaland movement in the past will be withdrawn,” Shah stated.

The Minister expressed regret over missing the rally and announced that he would visit Sukna in the Darjeeling district on April 21, the final day of campaigning for the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23.

“I have moved around the state for the last few days. My experience says that the BJP’s victory in West Bengal is certain this time. The days of illegal infiltration, corruption, and hooliganism will be over then,” Shah added.

The Minister will likely address three more public meetings later in the day at Rajganj in Jalpaiguri district, Falakata in Alipurduar district, and Tufanganj in Cooch Behar district.