Centre considering to give ST status to 11 Gorkha sub-tribes: Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday told the Gorkha community in Darjeeling that the Centre was seriously considering including 11 Gorkha sub-tribes in the Scheduled Tribe list.

Shah was scheduled to hold a public meeting at the Gorkha Ground in the Lebong area of Darjeeling on Sunday but could not attend the poll event owing to inclement weather. However, the BJP leader addressed the gathering through an audio call to the party’s Darjeeling Lok Sabha candidate Raju Bista.

“Today, I wanted to come to Darjeeling. But due to bad weather, my helicopter could not land there. For the BJP, the aspirations of the Gorkha community are always a priority. The Gorkhas have made a lot of sacrifices for the country. I want to tell my Gorkha brothers and sisters that the BJP is with you in your fight to get justice and we will ensure that you get justice. The Indian Constitution will give you justice,” said Shah.

BJP supporters waiting for Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Darjeeling. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

He further said, “We are committed to address all issues concerning the region. We are also considering including 11 Gorkha sub-tribes in the Scheduled Tribe list. Modiji has made a large number of yojanas to develop the North Bengal hills and the tourism sector here. The Centre has also made several yojanas for tea garden workers. But the TMC government did not implement such schemes in Bengal.”

Shah also slammed the Trinamool Congress and the Left for ‘not developing’ the Darjeeling hills. “They only ensured bloodshed in the hills. Only the BJP can bring peace in the hills. Like the last time, show your support to our candidate Raju Bista and help Prime Minister Narendra Modi get re-elected,” he added.

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Voting for the Darjeeling seat will be held on April 26. The seat is currently held by BJP’s Raju Bista, who has been renominated by the party.