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.