The BJP West Bengal unit on Wednesday accused the state government of running an administration parallel to the GTA in north Bengal hills, adding that the renewed demand for Gorkhaland indicated its failure to address the issues in that region.
"The state government has not kept any of its promises. It is trying to run a parallel administration in the hills. That is why Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is taking to the streets for a separate state. It is a big failure of the state government, which is deeply regretful," Bharatiya Janata Party state unit President Dilip Ghosh said after meeting some senior GJM leaders at his residence here.
Earlier in the day, he met a delegation led by GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri.
Terming the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) -- the developmental body set up in the north Bengal hills -- a "toy", Ghosh said the Morcha leaders plan to part ways with the GTA as it hasn't resolved any of the existing issues in the hills.
"The Trinamool government has provided the hill people with a toy called GTA, but it has not resolved any of their existing problems. The Morcha leaders are worried. They are not willing to be a part of the GTA anymore," the BJP leader said.
Asked about the GJM demand for a separate Gorkhaland, Ghosh said it was for the central government to decide.
"We cannot say anything on this; nor is it in our hands. The central government will take a call on the matter," he said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday viciously attacked the GJM, claiming it is spreading lies about the TMC government's new three-language policy.
She vowed to take action against the GTA Board members if a special audit ordered by her government revealed misuse of public money.
On Tuesday, GJM supporters led by party chief Bimal Gurung waved black flags at and burnt effigies of Banerjee in Darjeeling district.
Stating that the hill people are with the party, Gurung claimed the party members will resign from the semi-autonomous administrative body and fight for Gorkhaland.
--IANS
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