BJP reaches out to Darjeeling region voters working in Sikkim

GANGTOK,: With polling upcoming for West Bengal Assembly elections, the BJP is holding nationwide outreach campaign at various States where the voters of West Bengal are working or studying.

As part of this national campaign, the BJP on Thursday held an interactive meeting at Kumrek near Rangpo with the students, youths and professionals from various parts of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars who are studying and working in diverse sectors and companies in Sikkim.

Rangpo is an industrial belt with several pharma companies located in nearby areas, and also close to Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT). Hundreds of youth from Darjeeling region are working in these pharma companies and many of them are studying in SMIT.

The interactive session had the presence of Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Darjeeling MP RajuBista, BJP functionaries, and senior functionaries from ruling SKM party.

Addressing the youths, the Darjeeling MP invited them to participate in the festival of democracy, and to vote for the candidate of their choice, while keeping in mind greater issues facing Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars region.

“Over the past 15 years under Trinamool Congress, development has suffered in our region. Roads remain in poor condition, hospitals lack basic facilities, and schools face a shortage of teachers. The neglect of tea and cinchona workers, and discrimination even during disasters such as floods and landslides have increased public frustration,” said Bista.

The BJP MP stressed that employment opportunities are limited in Darjeeling region, especially for the youth, forcing many to migrate outside the region. Today, thousands of youths from our Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars are working in distant cities, and in neighbouring States like Sikkim, Assam and Bihar, he said.

“I am fearful that giving another term for TMC or their proxies to continue in power in the region, will be highly detrimental for the future of our community, especially our youths.To reverse this, the BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) and Alliance are working closely with the Centre to bring fast and effective solutions. Employment generation is a top priority for us.”

Bista maintained that the BJP will set up new industries, and create employment opportunities in the Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars region with focus on sustainable tourism expansion, and promote emerging sectors like organic and high-value agro processing industry.

“We will invest in herbal and wellness industries, and natural product businesses. We will promote factories similar to those in Sikkim, and encourage IT, remote work, digital services, software, and precision engineering sectors. We will also support food and beverage startups under a strong "Brand Darjeeling" identity. At the same time, we are committed to bring premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, fashion technology institutes, and sports universities to the region to empower the next generation,” said Bista.

He also assured that the BJP will ensure timely implementation all Central government programs and projects.

“Our focus is on ensuring real development in the hills through better roads, improved infrastructure, and major investments in education and healthcare. We will secure land ownership rights and ensure dignified wages for tea garden workers and cinchona garden workers Forest villagers and DI Fund land residents. We will also modernize the tea industry through financial support, better market access, and technology.”

“Most importantly, we are committed to delivering a constitutional solution that ensures justice, dignity, and long-term security for the Gorkha community across the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars. Our vision is clear, to unite the people, restore trust, and build a future full of opportunities, identity, and inclusive growth for all,” said the Darjeeling MP.

He requested the youths and every citizen of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars to vote for BJP Alliance candidates NomanRai from Darjeeling, Sonam Lama from Kurseong, and Bharat Chettri from Kalimpong.