Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : Union Home Minister Amit Shah was unable to reach Darjeeling on Wednesday due to adverse weather conditions, forcing him to address an election rally through a video message instead.

Shah had arrived at Bagdogra by flight but could not proceed to the rally venue at Lebong as his helicopter was not granted clearance to take off due to inclement weather. He later left for Malda, from where he released a nearly seven-minute video message to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The senior BJP leader was scheduled to address public meetings in support of party candidates in the Darjeeling and Kurseong Assembly constituencies. Unable to attend in person, he conveyed his message virtually.

In his address, Shah launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress government, alleging “misgovernance” in the state. He claimed to have toured the entire state and expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal. He also announced that he would visit Sukna on April 21 to continue campaigning.

Highlighting key poll promises, Shah said that a BJP government would curb infiltration, dismantle the alleged “syndicate system,” and put an end to lawlessness in the state.

Focusing on the long-standing concerns of the Gorkha community in Darjeeling, Shah assured that the issue would be resolved. He stated that, as Union Home Minister, he had made multiple efforts to address the matter, but a lack of cooperation from the state government had hindered progress.

According to Shah, three meetings were proposed over the past one-and-a-half years to discuss the issue, but neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any representative from her government attended them in Delhi. He added that he had also expressed willingness to hold discussions in West Bengal but did not receive a response from the state government.

Accusing the state administration of being unwilling to ensure justice and rights for the Gorkha community, Shah said that resolving the issue would be a top priority if the BJP comes to power after May 5. He also promised that cases registered against members of the Gorkha community would be withdrawn under a BJP government.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh