DARJEELING,: In a display of support, hundreds of
supporters from different political parties congregated at the campaign rally
of BJP candidate Raju Bista at Chowrasta here ahead of his formal nomination
for the Lok Sabha elections.
Bista, the incumbent MP from Darjeeling,
received backing from Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Gorkha Janmukti
Morcha (GJM) and Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM) among others.
The day started with Bista offering
prayers at the Mahakal Mandir in the morning, followed by a public meeting at
Chowrasta where leaders and supporters of the alliance parties assembled.
Subsequently, a spirited rally proceeded to the Darjeeling district magistrate’s
office where Bista filed his nomination papers. Most leaders expressed their
confidence on Bista emerging victorious for the second time.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, GJM
chief Bimal Gurung pledged unwavering support to Bista, affirming, “We promise
to ensure your victory for the second time. We urge Raju Bista to champion the
dignity of our ‘topi’ (traditional headgear). The ‘topi and duara sural’
(traditional outfit) I wear should be emblematic of our identity. We anticipate
fruitful developments for the hills during the next five years.”
Furthermore, Gurung emphasized the
significance of supporting Bista in seeking justice for the grievances stemming
from the 2017 agitation alongside advocating for the cause of Gorkhaland.
“The people have gathered here from
early morning. This demonstrates them being against the atrocities done against
our people in the 2017 agitation. We are supporting Bista for justice of our
people along with a proper arrangement for the hills along with the demand of
Gorkhaland,” said Gurung.
Meanwhile, Bista articulated his vision
for the region post-election. He said, “The PM has already said that our issue
is about to become a reality and all that was needed was it to cross the
boundary. After June 4, it will cross the boundary. Have faith!
After 4th June, corruption will end in the hills along with the custom of
taking commissions. Proper schools and hospitals will be made along with better
roads, parking and a solution to traffic problems.”
Characterizing the election as a battle
between those striving to safeguard the identity of the Gorkhas and those
posing threats, Bista urged voters to reject parties detrimental to their
interests and support the BJP to realize the aspirations of the Gorkhas.
Exuding confidence of his win, Bista
said, “I will become the MP for the record second time in Darjeeling. In my
previous tenure, Covid-19 took two years and it took me about two years to
understand everything and the elections came again. However, I did not stay
quiet and whenever I could, I raised the issue of Gorkhaland in the parliament
along with the voice of the Gorkhas.”
BJP Darjeeling MLA Neera Zimba said, “We
have already won and this election is only a formality. We are crossing four
hundred seats in Delhi and winning here with more than 5 lakhs vote.”
