Speaking at the discussion on Interim Budget in the Parliament today, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista drew the attention of the Lok Sabha to the long-standing demand for constitutional autonomy in the Darjeeling region.
Darj MP bats for constitutional autonomy in Parliament
Speaking at the discussion on Interim Budget in the Parliament today, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista drew the attention of the Lok Sabha to the long-standing demand for constitutional autonomy in the Darjeeling region.
“The demand has resulted in the movements for Gorkhaland state,” Mr Bista said, adding, “Past movements such as the ones in 1986-1988 and 2007-2011, have led to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), respectively. However, the aspirations of the people remain unfulfilled.”
“Our region’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, given that we share borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and proximity to China. Over the past decade, the influx of Rohingyas and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants for political gain had posed a grave threat, resulting in demographic shifts that endangers the indigenous communities such as Gorkhas, Adivasis, Rajbangshis, Rabha, Toto, Koche, Meche, Bengalis and Hindi-speaking people,” Mr Bista pointed out.
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“I urged the government to expedite the implementation of a constitutional solution for our region, safeguarding the people and fulfilling their aspirations,” Darjeeling MP said today.
On the other hand, the BJP leader Mr Bista, did not hesitate to speak about Bengal politics during his speech.
Mr Bista said, “The state of West Bengal has endured severe misgovernance under the Trinamul Congress regime. Once a powerhouse contributing over 30 per cent to India’s GDP, today it contributes less than 3 per cent. Leading industrial houses have fled the state, leaving behind a void of investments, compelling the youth to seek employment elsewhere. Under TMC’s watch, West Bengal’s debt had ballooned to over 6.5 lakh crore, burdening each citizen with Rs 60,000 of debt.”
“TMC-led state government’s mismanagement and corruption had been exposed,” he added.
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