CM reaches Darjeeling ahead of President’s visit

Banerjee was on her way to Darjeeling to receive President Pranab Mukherjee.She will be in Darjeeling till July 15, before leaving for Delhi to attend the meeting of inter-state Security Council to be held in the national Capital. 

While talking to reporters at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Banerjee said that during her meeting with the Prime Minister, she will also discuss the situation of the Goods and Services Tax Bill, which is yet to be passed in the Parliament.

The President is scheduled to reach Darjeeling on Tuesday and he will be staying there till July 15.

The state government will host a state reception in honour of the President at Mall on July 12.

The next day, he will be attending the birth anniversary celebrations of Nepali poet Bhanubhakta Acharya and later the state government will also host a dinner in his honour.

The President will also address the annual general meeting of Darjeeling Tea Association on July 14. The Chief Minister will be present in the meeting as well. Banerjee reached Darjeeling a day before the President’s visit. Thousands of people gathered outside Bagdogra Airport to receive her.

Representatives of the development boards in the hills felicitated her with khadi and bouquet of flowers at the airport.There was not enough space for Banerjee’s car to move out of the airport as the area was crowded with people waiting to get a glimpse of the Chief Minister.

They repeatedly crowded in front of her car to congratulate her. Finally, police somehow managed to clear the way for the Chief Minister’s car.Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) members formed a human chain from Simulbari in Siliguri.

The supporters were seen standing on both sides of the road when the Chief Minister’s car was heading towards Darjeeling.Hundreds of people were shouting slogans to congratulate Banerjee as she waved at them.

On her way to Darjeeling, she had to take several stoppages as people felicitated her with khadi uttarios. The security arrangement in Darjeeling has been tightened up to ensure that no untoward incidents take place during the stay of the President and the Chief Minister. 

Hundreds of policemen were deployed at various points and senior police officers have been posted at important areas. Policemen were found frisking people in the area.

Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were busy checking different places since Sunday morning. Movement of traffic on some of the important roads will remain restricted in the area till July 15.