DARJEELING,: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday assured that the tribal status
for the left-out Gorkha communities would be granted by the Modi government
after the 2024 General Elections.
Rijiju was
addressing an election campaign meeting of Darjeeling BJP candidate Raju Bista
at Monteviot Ground, Kurseong.
“I have
come here for Raju Bista taking the guarantee of Narendra Modi. There are many
issues of the Gorkha, but I feel that the most important one is that of
identity and self-esteem which no one should compromise with,” said Rijiju.
“For this
much work has been done within the framework of the constitution but due to the
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee a lot of hindrances are coming in the
way. However, it is only Nardendra Modi that will be able to give the Gorkha
community their self-esteem and respect,” he added.
He also
underlined how it was the NDA government of Late Atal Bihar Vajpayee that had
granted Scheduled Tribes status to Limbu and Tamang communities. He further
stated, "During my tenure in the Law Ministry, we have prepared all the
legal documents in support of the 11 left-out Gorkha sub-tribes Rai, Gurung,
Khas, Newar, Yakha (Dewan), Mangar, Jogi, Sunwar, Bhujel, Thami and Dhimal for
re-inclusion as the Scheduled Tribes. As Home Minister Amit Shah has said, our
government is completing the process and it will be done after the formation of
the government.”
The BJP
leader assured that after elections, he would represent any issues of the
Gorkhas that come in the Union Cabinet after discussion with different
political leaders here.
“I want to
tell the people of Darjeeling hills, Siliguri, Terai and Dooars, both of your
demands will be fulfilled. Solution under the Constitution of India is
guaranteed by PM Modi. If anyone is sincere about the Gorkha community, it is
BJP and it is PM Modi. I stand here to tell you, I am your voice in the Union
Cabinet, whenever your issue comes up, I am there to speak for you. I have come
to give you this guarantee on behalf of PM Modi."
He alleged
that Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not follow any rules and
regulations and only believed in corruption and violence.
“The West
Bengal government was misusing all Central funds. The funds being allocated for
West Bengal by the Centre were more than enough to take care of the problems of
the people but the TMC had been misusing these funds.”
Rijiju
claimed that the Indian National Congress will not get even 40 seats in this
General Election. The nation is with Narendra Modi who will become the Prime
Minister for the third time with a record mandate, he said.