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.