Hours after GTA Chairman Anit Thapa took a jibe at MP Raju Bista for questioning the whereabouts of the GTA leaders amid the pandemic, the MP took to his social media account to counter back.
Firstly, he appreciated the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Chairman for acknowledging today that doctors, nurses and other frontline workers from the hills too have tested positive for COVID-19.
This confession and acknowledgement is refreshing, as till date the Govt of West Bengal has tried to hide the sacrifices made by our frontline COVID workers. These are the facts that people from our region did not know for sure, until his confession.
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) August 11, 2020
Earlier today, the GTA Chairman shutdown Bista’s allegations saying that he has frequently emphasized that amid grave concerns over the corona pandemic, one should stop playing the blame-game and instead come together to combat the crisis.
To this, the MP agreed that the COVID is indeed a matter of life and death, and the people have every right to know about the number of cases, a number of deaths and the steps taken to ensure breaking the COVID Chain. Hence, he questioned the absentee GTA representatives.
who seem to have emerged after my questioning them on behalf of the people. So as far as I am concerned, my questions have hit where it hurts and made TMC and their minions uncomfortable enough that they now feel the need to respond.
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) August 11, 2020
The GTA Chairman had also taken a jibe at Bista saying that the people who elected him as their MP with such humongous votes, know very well of his contribution towards the hills amid the COVID pandemic.
To this, the MP conceded saying that the people who voted for him are very aware of the work he is doing, and that he is most hopeful that the people are happy with his accomplishment. The MP went on to add that by now, even those who did not vote for him are confident that he has no interest to indulge in politics “.. but to serve our people and place, that I will never betray our community and aspirations of our people, that I will not sell out our collective dreams, and that I will definitely not torture, threaten and use police force against our own people like some sellouts have been doing, ” he added.
With this, MP Bista assured that he will get all necessary clearances for ICMR approved COVID lab in the hills within three days of West Bengal Government and GTA giving in writing that they will provide qualified and trained staff and safe infrastructure for the lab to be set up in.
Till date, I haven't received any application from either GTA or WB Govt in this regards. Just shouting and yelling on Facebook won't solve the problems arising out of gross incompetency, indifference and mediocrity exemplified by those running GTA currently or the WB Govt.
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) August 11, 2020
Bista strongly condemned Anit Thapa for trying to label his as an outsider. “This is the same narrative and line of thought WB Chief Minister Mamata Ji uses against Gorkhas and anyone who dared to take a stand contrary to her whims and fancies,” he ridiculed.
The MP maintained that the Union government has sanctioned 300 ventilators for West Bengal through the PM Cares Fund. Two ventilators each have reached to Kalimpong District Hospital, Triveni Hospital, Darjeeling and 5 to NBMCH. So far, out of the 300 ventilators sent by the government, 31 have reached North Bengal.
He went on to assert that he has sanctioned around Rs 2.5 crores worth of MP LAD projects, Rs 50 Lakhs for improving health infrastructure in the hills and Rs 1 crore to the PM Relief Fund for the fight against COVID.
Despite clearances and go ahead coming from all required entities, MP questioned the delays in release of funds and implementation of MPLAD projects.
One can indeed inquire with the WB Govt on why there have been delays in release of these funds? In fact, only a week ago I have written to the Nodal Officer questioning the delay in implementation of MPLAD projects,
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) August 11, 2020
“I want to remind the BoA Chairman that I am very aware of the responsibilities, hopes and aspirations with which our people elected me with the highest winning margin in West Bengal, ” Bista retorted to Thapa’s accusations. And added that he is currently engaged meeting Ministers, attending Parliamentary Committee Meetings and giving his 100% towards ensuring a better and brighter future for the people of the hills.
Nonetheless, I am eagerly looking forward to detailed written application from GTA and WB Govt regarding the establishment of ICMR approved testing lab. I hope and pray that they will send it to me by tomorrow.
— Raju Bista (@RajuBistaBJP) August 11, 2020
The MP concluded by saying that he hopes a detailed written application from GTA and the state government regarding the establishment of ICMR approved testing lab will reach him by tomorrow.