Kurseong, 22nd June: Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista spearheaded the campaign for the upcoming panchayat elections in various village panchayats of the Kurseong division today. He visited several villages to rally support for the Bharatiya Janata Party and its coalition partners’ candidates. Commencing his journey from Garidhura in the morning, he toured different areas under St. Mary’s II and III Gram Panchayats, as well as Pandu Gram Panchayat in Kurseong.
Throughout his visit, MP Bista attentively listened to the grievances and concerns of the villagers, assuring them of timely resolutions. Joining him were Sonam Lama, Bharatiya Janata Party Darjeeling District Secretary, Pemba Rimporche, GNLF Kurseong Branch Committee President, and representatives from the alliance.
During the election campaign in Kurseong, MP Raju Bista addressed the media upon reaching Makaibari. He expressed disappointment over the lack of developmental work despite years of voting in the hills. Bista urged the residents to choose the right candidates, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming panchayat elections. He also urged voters to report any instances of intimidation during the election process.
Responding to journalists’ questions, MP Raju Bista highlighted that after a gap of 23 years, the Panchayat elections were finally being held in the hills, presenting an opportunity for hill residents. He criticized the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for failing to bring about substantial development, emphasizing the need to challenge the Bengal government’s approach towards the Gorkha community. Bista emphasized the importance of securing victories to facilitate various development initiatives, including access to clean drinking water, improved road infrastructure, and housing in rural areas. He also stressed the necessity of tackling corruption in the allocation of MNREGA funds, assuring that the new panchayat members would ensure transparency and accountability in their distribution to the people.