Kolkata, March 7 – Raju Bista, a two-time BJP Member of Parliament from the Darjeeling constituency in North Bengal, claimed on Saturday that it was necessary to hold the upcoming state assembly elections in West Bengal under President's Rule.
He also said that he would speak to President Droupadi Murmu about this, as soon as possible.
Bista made this statement while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the 9th International Santal Conference, organized by the International Santal Council in Gossaipur, Darjeeling district, where the President was the main speaker.
"I want to inform the President about the current law and order situation in West Bengal, and then request her to consider the possibility of holding the state assembly elections under President's Rule," Bista said.
He also claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's ongoing anti-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) protest in Kolkata was actually intended to protect the interests of illegal immigrants, rather than genuine voters.
Meanwhile, during the conference, President Murmu expressed mild disappointment after noticing that some members of the Santal community were unable to enter the conference hall.
"While I was sitting here, I noticed many Santal people moving around outside. It seems as if someone is preventing them from coming here. When I look at the field and the arrangements, I feel that such a large international gathering of the Santal community should include everyone openly," the President said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President also recollected the Santal heritage of valor and said that the people of the community never accept injustice.
"It is a matter of great pride for the entire Santal community that our ancestor Tilka Majhi raised the flag of rebellion against oppression nearly 240 years ago... Brothers and sisters, you are their descendants. The blood of the Santals flows in your veins. Santals do not accept injustice; they stand against it and fight against oppression. They are brave people and heirs to a courageous legacy. Today, there is an International Santal Council, and such a council should truly represent and unite the Santal community," President Murmu said.