‘Will conquer Delhi this time’

Targeting BJP and its GJM-supported Darjeeling candidate S S Ahluwalia, Banerjee said: “They (BJP) are trying to divide Bengal. Those who come from Delhi run away after winning. They should remain in Delhi. In Bengal nothing is going to happen to CPM, BJP and Congress.”

Sending out a strong message against bifurcation of the state, Banerjee said: “Darjeeling is an integral part of Bengal. It is my heart. We believe in unity of all regions and communities and not in divisive politics. There are some who are trying to play divisive politics for their own vested interests.”

Banerjee also accused GJM of being more interested in going to Delhi with their demand for a separate state rather than being bothered about development. “I will not tolerate hooliganism and politics of blockade in the hills,” Banerjee warned Morcha.

“Whenever elections come, they (GJM) go to Delhi frequently for their own vested interests of dividing people. If you count, you will find that they go to Delhi more than they visit Kalimpong or Kurseong.

“Why are they (GJM) shouting for Gorkhaland? We have given them GTA (Gorkha Territorial Administration) – let them work there and prove themselves. In education the order is first primary, then secondary, then higher secondary, then college, then university. But they want to go to the university without going to the primary,” she said.

“Trinamool have pitted Bhaichung Bhutia, a person from the hills. What is the difference between the hills of Sikkim (from where Bhutia hails) and hills of Darjeeling. All are same,” she said.

Banerjee said she will continue coming to the Darjeeling hills to ensure its development. “They (GJM) might get angry with me for coming here. But I am not bothered,” she added.