Addressing voters in North Bengal via a virtual platform on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lambasted the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the issue of using excessive police force in the region. “The police rule that Mamata Banerjee’s government is currently imposing in the Hills will be completely dismantled once the BJP comes to power. Justice will be served for the injustices inflicted upon the Gorkhas,” Shah said.
Shah’s remarks came after adverse weather conditions prevented him from reaching Darjeeling, where he was scheduled to hold a public rally at Lebong ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election. His aircraft was denied permission to land at Bagdogra due to extremely poor weather, forcing him to deliver a video address from Malda instead.
Speaking in support of BJP candidates for the Darjeeling and Kurseong Assembly constituencies, Shah launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging that a “police-raj” has been established across the Hills.
Turning to the long-pending Gorkha issue, the Home Minister claimed that repeated attempts by him to initiate dialogue had gone unanswered. “Over the past year and a half, I have proposed holding meetings on three separate occasions to discuss the problems of the Hills. Yet, not only did Mamata herself fail to attend, but she did not even send a representative to Delhi,” he alleged.
He further stated that even during his visit to West Bengal, the state government did not grant him an appointment for discussions. “Mamata does not want the Gorkhas to live in peace or regain their constitutional rights,” Shah claimed.
Reassuring residents of the Hills, Shah promised swift action if the BJP comes to power in the state. “Do not worry. Once the BJP forms the government in Bengal on May 5, our very first priority will be to find a permanent solution to the long-standing issues facing the Gorkhas,” he said.
Apologising for his inability to attend the rally in person, Shah announced that he would visit Sukna on April 21 to campaign directly. He also asserted that a wave of political change is sweeping across West Bengal.
“Curbing infiltration, ending syndicate raj, and putting an end to gundaraj will be the top priorities of the new government,” he added.
With campaigning intensifying in North Bengal, Shah’s outreach — despite logistical setbacks — highlights the BJP’s continued focus on the politically significant Hills region. His promise of a “permanent solution” to the Gorkha issue is expected to influence the electoral dynamics in Darjeeling and adjoining constituencies.
Also read: Unity over rift: Abhishek’s call to TMC ahead of WB polls
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