Ahead of Lok Sabha election as the political temperatures are soaring in the Darjeeling hills over the demand of fielding ‘Bhumiputra’ (Son of the Soil)’ from the constituency, former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has emerged as a contender from the seat.
Over the past several months Mr. Shingla has been visiting various areas in the constituency - organising various programmes under the banner of his non-governmental organisation - the Darjeeling Welfare Society- established in May 2023.
Days before the consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22 the former foreign secretary was busy organising a public event at Siliguri in the foothills of Darjeeling. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Shringla emphasised about his Darjeeling-centric roots and said that his family from both from his “paternal and maternal side have settled in the hills for the past several generations”.
