DARJEELING,: Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha
chief Anit Thapa today criticized BJP national president J.P. Nadda’s speech in
Gangtok, urging people of Sikkim and Darjeeling to vote in favour of
regionalism.
Thapa’s remarks came in response to
Nadda's statement during the launch of BJP manifesto in Sikkim, where he said
that everyone had “enough” of regional parties and should shift towards
“mainstream” parties.
Speaking at a program at Gorubathan,
Thapa expressed concern over Nadda’s remarks, emphasizing the need to protect
regional interests. Thapa urged SikkimChief Minister P.S. Golay to prioritize
safeguarding regionalism in the State amidst external pressures.
“J.P. Nadda has openly said that
regional parties should be removed. I request P.S. Golay to work towards saving
regionalism in Sikkim. I can see, you are struggling and that our Gorkha CM is
facing a lot of criticism but I know that the people of Sikkim will save
regionalism.” Thapa stated.
Highlighting the importance of unity in
preserving regional identity, Thapa appealed to voters in Darjeeling and Sikkim
to prioritize regionalism over internal conflicts. He cautioned against
allowing external forces to dominate the region and underscored the
significance of collective action in defending regional interests.
Thapa, who also serves as the GTA chief
executive, asserted that the current political battle revolves around
preserving regional autonomy, alleging that the BJP is attempting to gain
influence through coercion.
Addressing the complexities within the
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Thapa acknowledged Bimal Gurung’s apparent discontent
with the BJP. “Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung also seems to have
a lot of anger towards the BJP as seen by his recent statements but there must
be some compulsion that he is supporting them. In his heart he also wants to
save regionalism," said Thapa.