Mamata receives grand welcome in Darjeeling

DARJEELING,: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in Darjeeling on Monday evening to a grand welcome. This is her first visit to the hills in nearly a year.

Mamata, who is in the hills for a three-day visit, was greeted by supporters of both the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) along with members of various development boards at several locations along her route.

Banerjee’s journey to Darjeeling was marked by enthusiastic receptions. At Kurseong, BGPM president Anit Thapa, who is also the chief executive of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, along with his supporters welcomed the Chief Minister near Kurseong Railway Station. The BGPM supporters, waving flags and chanting slogans like “Mamata Banerjee Zindabad” and “Anit Thapa Zindabad,” showed their support as she passed through. Meanwhile, TMC supporters gathered near the Kurseong Tourist Lodge to welcome the CM.

Although Banerjee did not step out of her vehicle in Kurseong, she waved to the crowd and acknowledged the warm reception. As she reached Darjeeling, the welcome continued at Gorkha Ranga Manch, where BGPM members joined TMC supporters in greeting her.

Banerjee then made her way on foot to Richmond Hill, interacting with local residents who had gathered to see her.

The Chief Minister’s visit comes after a significant gap. Her last visit to the region was in December 2023 for the wedding of her nephew Abesh Banerjee, in Kurseong.

Banerjee is scheduled to meet with members of the GTA and various development boards tomorrow at 3:30 pm at Gorkha Ranga Manch. On November 13, she will inaugurate the SARAS Mela at Chowrastha.