Mamata hill sop amid model code

On the issue of holding meetings in the area ahead of the polls,Banerjee said she had taken special permission for it. “I know that prior to the elections,government cannot organise any such public events. But we had to celebrate the birth anniversary of the great Nepali poet Bhanu Bhakta and that is why we took special permission to organise this programme,” she said.

The chief minister,however,did not explain whether she had taken permission to announce several schemes for the region during a programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of the poet at a time when the model code of conduct was in force.

Banerjee announced various tourism schemes and announced to set up Nepali Language Council in Mongpoo in Darjeeling on the lines of Lepcha Development Council.

Urging the people of the hills to maintain peace in the upcoming GTA elections,she said: “Even though,the GJM has won in the election,the people of the hills should maintain peace in the area. There will be a lot of development in the area and the area will get grants from the Centre.”

“We can assure the people of the hills that we will not come to capture your area neither we will do politics here. I am here to attend the birth anniversary even,not to campaigning for my party for the upcoming election,” she added.

Reaching out to the people of the hills,Banerjee said time should not be lost for working for the development of the hills. “Time is very important. If time is lost,everything is lost. Let us work together for the development of the hills.”

In an obvious reference to her political adversary CPM,Banerjee said,“It is very easy to criticise and politicise,but I have not come here to do politics. I want Darjeeling to prosper.”

The chief minister said that though she was a busy person “yet I will come here again and again for the development of the hills.”

Later,the chief minister held a meeting with GJM president Bimal Gurung.

Gurung said: “Our friendship with Trinamool Congress will remain all the same though we’ll contest in a few seats during GTA polls. We are happy that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come to visit various places in Darjeeling again,” he said. With PTI inputs