Amit Shah Accuses West Bengal Govt Of Ignoring Darjeeling Hills Issues

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday alleged that the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had rejected multiple proposals over the past one-and-a-half years to hold meetings on issues concerning the Gorkha community in the Darjeeling hills. His remarks came amid ongoing political campaigning in northern West Bengal.

Shah was scheduled to address a public meeting at Lebong Ground in Darjeeling, but adverse weather conditions prevented his helicopter from landing. Instead, a recorded seven-minute video message was played at the rally. In his address, he claimed that three separate proposals for discussions on the concerns of residents in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong were not accepted by the state government.

The Home Minister further alleged that the state administration did not send any representatives to meetings in New Delhi to engage on the matter. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would prioritise resolving long-standing issues of the Gorkha community if it comes to power in West Bengal, including addressing grievances linked to the Gorkhaland movement.

Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav Condemns BJP Pressure, Bihar Govt Ignoring Citizens’ Needs

Shah also stated that cases registered against individuals during the Gorkhaland agitation would be withdrawn if the BJP formed the government in the state. He expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, claiming that public support indicated a clear path to victory in West Bengal.

The senior BJP leader is also scheduled to address additional public meetings in Rajganj in Jalpaiguri district, Falakata in Alipurduar district, and Tufanganj in Cooch Behar district as part of the ongoing campaign. He further said he would visit Sukna in Darjeeling district on April 21, the final day of campaigning ahead of the first phase of polling on April 23.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Accuses TMC Of Helping BJP Strengthen In West Bengal