Congress leader Saroj Khatri targets BJP and GJM in hills

Senior Congress leader and Darjeeling District Congress working president Saroj Khatri has publicly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) regarding the ongoing political situation in the Darjeeling hills. Speaking to reporters in Kurseong, Khatri raised concerns about the authority of certain political leaders to represent the Gorkha community and the region in talks with the state and central governments. Saroj Khatri questioned the basis upon which GJM president Bimal Gurung and other political parties are holding discussions without clear public interest.

Questions on political representation

During his interaction, the Congress leader pointed out that Bimal Gurung is not currently an elected representative. Khatri stated that there is no clarity on who granted him the mandate to hold political negotiations on behalf of the entire hill population. He further alleged that the BJP and GJM are misleading the public by using the names of Gorkhaland and political solutions for their own agendas.

Criticism of Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

Saroj Khatri also directed his criticism toward Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, claiming that the MP has been frequently changing his official statements. Khatri noted that while there were promises to abolish the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) before the elections, the current narrative has shifted toward maintaining the body. The Congress leader highlighted that these shifting stances are causing confusion among the people regarding the future of the hills.

Confusion over political demands

Referring to a recent all-party meeting called by Bimal Gurung, Khatri observed that there is a lack of consensus among the parties involved. While some discussions focused on an autonomous arrangement under the Sixth Schedule, other groups remain firm on their demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland. He asserted that this conflicting approach proves the ongoing political uncertainty in the region.

Past initiatives by Congress

Concluding his remarks, the Congress leader highlighted the efforts made by the previous Congress government to address the development and political issues in the Darjeeling hills. He specifically mentioned the 2005 agreement concerning the Sixth Schedule as a significant step taken by his party in the past. Saroj Khatri maintained that the Congress party has historically made important initiatives to resolve the complex political issues of the region.