BJP May not be ready for Gorkhaland, Gorkhas are – Upendra argues we are capable enough to run our own state even if local BJP leaders may have doubts about their own abilities

A few days after winning elections, BJP Darjeeling District President Sanjeev Lama made a proclamation, “Gorkhas are not ready for Gorkhaland”. He defended the statement by saying that our youths need to be involved in politics and we need to remove the old-guards who have used “Gorkhaland sentiment” only as a tool for earning their livelihood. As if the political-suicide wasn’t over, Sanjeev Lama doubled down in a press meet and further said, “look around you won’t find a single, honest, capable Gorkha leader who is ready to be the Chief Minister”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, so I watched that twice just to make sure what I heard was right.

Perhaps what he didn’t anticipate was the immediate question asked by the journalist present there, “Do you mean to say even Sanjeev Lama is not honest or capable of being a Chief Minister?”

In proclaiming that, there is not a single honest Gorkha capable of becoming a Chief Minister, perhaps Sanjeev forgot that he too is a Gorkha, and that he too could become the Chief Minister, if Gorkhaland state was formed.

But, what he said had me extremely worried.

He is a Gorkhaland premi, as much as you and I. He too had to go underground following the 2017 Andolan. He parted ways with Bimal Gurung when Bimal supported Mamata Banerjee in 2021. So Sanjeev is who has remained true to the Gorkha cause. But imagine, what kind of political realization must have he come to, to be so convinced, that there’s not a single honest Gorkha, capable of leading Gorkhaland statehood.

This brings me to a greater worry.

If BJP District President is convinced that Gorkhas are not ready for Gorkhaland, who else is convinced similarly? Does this chain of thought extend to MP Raju Bista, Home Minister Amit Shaha and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well, or is this line of thought confined to Kolkata-BJP alone?

Way before any of us were born, our ancestors understood the need for a separate administrative set-up for the Gorkhas, which is why the demand for autonomy for our region extends back to 1907. When gentle reminders didn’t work, it led to the 1986-88 andoland for Gorkhaland statehood. Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was established in 1988, which failed to meet the aspirations of the people. This resulted in Gorkhaland statehood demands from 2007-2011, in 2013 after Telangana was formed, and in 2017 after West Bengal government under TMC tried to make impose Bengali language on the Gorkhas.

Over the decades I have been on this planet, I have seen Gorkha people mature politically, economically, educationally and in every other way possible.

Today Gorkhas are everywhere, from being Scientists in ISRO to teaching in IITs and IIMs, from flying fighter-jets to conducting path-breaking research top universities in India and internationally. Gorkhas are some of the top ranked Army Officers and academics, actors, singers, administrators and what not.

What they lack is a political space.

Be honest to yourself, can a Gorkha ever aspire to be the Chief Minister of West Bengal? Since Independence, name one Gorkha Minister in the Central Government?

Despite being capable in every other way, we – the Gorkhas have been sidelined politically. Which is why, this need and demand for Political autonomy exists.

BJP may think that Gorkhas are not ready for Gorkhaland, but Gorkhas know, we are. However, in articulating this, perhaps the BJP District President is hinting at the fact that BJP may renege on their pre-poll promise, which they have been making since 2009.

As the American writer Robert G. Ingersoll once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but to test the character, give him power…”

Perhaps, after coming to Power, BJP is starting to show their true character. Beware Gorkhas.

The post BJP May Not be Ready for Gorkhaland, Gorkhas Are! appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

बंगालमा यसपालिको राजनीतिक चलखेल, हावा पहिलाभन्दा अलिक फरक र रोचक देखिन्छ। मुख्यतः सत्ताविरोधी लहर, परिवर्तनको लहरको तातो हावा चलीरहेको अनुभव गर्न सक्छौं। वर्तमान टीएमसी सरकारसित असन्तुष्ट जनता यसपालि सरकार फेरिएको हेर्न चाहान्छन्। त्यसरी नै पहाडमा गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासन जो विकलांग ब्यवस्था भनेर मानिने ब्यवस्थासित दिक्क मानी मानिसले नयाँ दिर्घकालिन ब्यवस्था तथा स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान खोजीरहेको देखिन्छ।

२०१७ को जन आन्दोलन अनि शहिदहरू

पहाडमा चुनाव भन्नसाथ मानिस भावुक हुने र तृणमूल सरकारको बर्बरता र क्रुरतापुर्वक दमनले शहीदहरूका रगतपच्छे लाशहरूको सम्झाना दिलाउने कुरा बताउँछन् यहाँका सोझासाझा जनता। पहाडका जनतामा खरानीभित्र भएको झरिलो भुप्रो झैं आक्रोश छ। तर लुकाएर राख्न बाध्य छन् तानाशाही बंगाल सरकारको डरले। भन्छन्, “अलिकति बोल्यो कि मुद्दा हाल्दिने डर।”

“ती ११ जना शहीदरूको बलिदान पनि खेरो गयो जब दलाल, मिरजाफरहरूले १०४ दिनको बन्द र जनआन्दोलन लक्ष्यमा पुग्न नपाई बंगाल सरकारसंग सम्झौता गरे।” जनमानस दाँत किट्दै भन्छन्।

समग्रमा पहाडका मानिसको परिप्रेक्ष्यहरू बटुल्दा यो निर्वाचनलाई भावनात्मक दृष्टिकोणले हेरेको पाईन्छ। र जन आकांक्षामा आधारित जनताले अझै पनि तृणमूल सरकार र गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासनबाट उन्मुक्त भई पहाड तराई र डुवर्सलाई एउटा नयाँ पूर्ण व्यवस्थापकीय अधिकार प्राप्त स्वयत्त प्रशासनिक सेटअपको चाहाना राखेको बुझिन्छ।

विधायिकी शक्तिविहिन (Devoid of Legislative Power) र शक्तिहिन गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासन (GTA)

औपचारिक रूपमा १४ मार्च २०१२ मा स्थापित भएको गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासन (GTA) ले गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गर्न असक्षम भएको कारणले नै पहाडका अधिकतम जनताले यसलाई नकार्दै आएका छन्। तर तिनताक र वर्तमान समयमा केही सत्तामा आसिन मानिसहरू ब्यवस्थालाई बंगालको डाडु पनिउँबाट पस्केको भाग जो ब्यक्ति बिशेष र धुपौरेहरूले आफ्ना स्वर्थपूर्तिको लागि पर्याप्त सम्झन्छन् तर गोर्खाहरूको हितमा र दार्जिलिङ, कालेबुङ, तराई र डुवर्सका सर्वाङ्गिन बिकाशको निम्ति वान-वान चोक्टा तिरिक् तिरिक् झोल मात्र हुन् भन्ने कुरो पहाडका वंचित भुक्तभोगीहरूलाई थाहा छ। शिक्षित जमातलाई थाहा छ तर मौन् छन्। कारण डर र त्रास।

यो GTA व्यवस्थालाई बाँदरको पुच्छर, लौरो न हतियार भन्दा कुनै अत्युक्ति हुँदैन कारण यो शक्तिहिन छ। यो व्यवस्थामा विधायिकी शक्ति छैन। गोर्खाहरूको हितमा विधि विधान, ऐन कानुन बनाउने क्षमता छैन। जो बनाउँछन् बंगाल सरकारले बनाउँछ । यसपालिको चुनाव घोषणा पत्रमा गोर्खाहरूको हितमा “ग” अक्षर सम्म लेख्न अनुचित ठाने तृणमूल सरकारले भनेपछि अनुमान लगाउँन सकिन्छ ममता सरकारलाई गोर्खाहरूको कति सरोकार छ भनेर। तर GTA (TMC Team A) का व्यक्तिवर्ग लाटाको देशमा गाँडा तन्नेरी भने झैं पहिचानको मुद्दालाई केही नामधारी न्यूनतम विकाशको बजेटमा बेचेर छाती फुलाएर हिँडछन्। अशिक्षित लाटा सोझा जनतालाई “बिकाश नै पहिचान हो” भनेर रट्नु लगाएको मानिसको भनाई छ।

पहाडका राजनितीक पार्टीहरूको DNA

पहाडको राजनीतिक पार्टीहरूमा बिमल गुरुङको गोजमुमो (GJMM), मन घिसिङको गोरामुमो (GNLF) अनि सीपीआरएमले (CPRM) बीजेपीसंग गठबन्धन गरेर बीजेपीलाई सघाउँदैछन्। अनि पहाडमा मन मिल्ने मानिसमाझको प्रचलित नारा -“चुपचाप् कमल छाप।” जनमानसको मुखमा झुन्डिएको छ भन्छन् रैथानेहरू।गोजमुमो र गोरामुमोले बीजेपीसंग गठबंधन गरी उमेद्वार दिएर असल काम गरेका छन्। अब यो दुई पार्टीले गर्न पनि के गरोस् त पहाडमा लगभग लोपोन्मुख अवस्थामा छन्।

अनितको भारतीय गोर्खा प्रजातान्त्रिक पार्टी (BGPM) नामको मात्र क्षेत्रिय पार्टी हो। ममता दिदीको पहाडको टीएमसी हो । उनारूले भन्छन्, पहाडमा विकाश गरेका छौं। खै कुन विकाशको कुरा गरेको बुझ्नै सकिन्न। अँ अलि अलि बाटो घाटो त बनायो, गाउँ घरमा समाज घरहरू बनायो। तर हाम्रो जातिले माँगेको विकाश त्यति मात्रै हो र?

ब्रिटिसकालिन संरचनाहरू, धरोहरू बाहेक अरू नयाँ संरचनाहरू कसैले बनाउने चेष्टा गर्यो? शैक्षिक संस्था, विधापिठ, महाविध्यालय, अत्याधुनिक अस्पताल , स्वस्थ्य केन्द्रहरू कहिले बनाउने पहाडमा? भएकै संरचनाहरू सडेर गईसके। भएकै प्रशिक्षण केन्द्रहरूमा तलकोहरू मात्र छन्। पहाडको पिउने पानीको गंभीर संकट, खस्कन्दो पर्यटन व्यवसायको जल्दोबल्दो मुद्दाहरू कसले हल गर्ने? शिक्षा जसले स्वस्थ्य समाज निर्माण गर्छ। शिक्षण संस्थामा पनि घोटाला गरी अवैध र अनैतिक ढंगमा अयोग्य शिक्षकहरूलाई नियुक्ति दिने जीटीए जस्तो प्रशासनलाई रद्ध तुल्याउनु हो भने यो बीजीपीएम पार्टीलाई सत्ताच्युत गराउनु नै पर्छ।

अजय एडवर्डको आईजीजेएफ (IGJF) पार्टीको लोकप्रियताको पारा निकै माथि चडदैछ। आफ्नै बलबुतामा उम्मेद्वारहरू खडा गरेको छ । केही गर्छ जस्तो छ यसपाली,भन्ने कुराको जिज्ञासामा मानिस भन्छन्, “केही गर्छ हैन भोट चै बिगार्छ। अलग राज्य गोर्खाल्याण्डको वकालत गर्ने पार्टी जन्मेको दुई साल त भयो तर राजनीतिको हावा कताबाट चल्दैछ भेउ नै नपाको हो कि भित्रभित्रै खेल खेलेको हो। मानिसहरूले शंका गरी रहेका छन्। कतिले तृणमूलकै टीम पनि भन्दैछन्। राज्यमा सत्ताविरोधी लहर चलीरहेको छ तर खै राज्य सरकार र जीटीएको घोर बिरोध चै गर्छ तर साधारण हिसाब बुझ्दा पनि पहाडको सत्ताधारी तृणमूल (बीजीपीएम) लाई सत्तच्यूत गराउनु हो र पश्चिम बंगालमा सत्ता परिवर्तन चाहाने हो भने त बीजेपीलाई सघाएर बीजेपीको भोट कनसोलीडेट गर्नुपर्ने होइन र? अजय र अभिसेकको जोडीले बीजेपीलाई निकै धक्का पुर्याउँछ जस्तो छ!”

गोर्खा बिरोधी टीएमसी, बीजेपीको घोषणा पत्र अनि राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्ति

टीएमसी गोर्खा बिरोधी पार्टी हो भन्दा दुईमत नहोला कारण २०१७ को जनआन्दोलन यही पार्टीको भाषिक अतिक्रमणले गर्दा भएको थियो। गोर्खाहरूको शान्तिमय जनआन्दोलनमाथि क्रुरतापूर्वक दमनले कतिले ज्यान गुमाए। बंगला भाषा थोप्ने तृणमूल सरकारको षडयन्त्र र अभिप्रायले गोर्खाहरूको जातित्व र पहिचानको नामोनिशान मिटाउने प्रयासलाई स्वाभिमानी गोर्खाहरूले बिफल तुल्याएका थिए। त्यही स्वाभिमानी गोर्खाहरू आजको दिनमा पनि ममताको तृणमूललाई सत्ताच्युत गराउन कम्मर कसेको जनमानसको खरानीभित्रको भरिलो भुप्रो सरह आक्रोशमा अनुभव गर्न सकिन्छ।

साल २००९ मा जब बीजेपीको बंगालमा कुनै अस्तित्व नहुँदादेखि यस पार्टीलाई दार्जिलिङ, कालेबुङ, तराई र डुवर्सका गोर्खाहरूले आधारशिला प्रदान गरेका थिए। यही भूमिमा पाईला टेकेर बीजेपीले बंगालमा दह्रिलो गढ बनाउने यात्रा शुरू गरेका थिए। तिनताक र वर्तमान समयसम्म गोर्खाहरूले लोकसभा अनि विधानसभा चुनावहरूमा भारी मतले बीजेपीलाई बिजय गराउदै आएता पनि बीजेपीले पहाड तराई डुवर्सका जनआकांक्षा पूरा नगरेको जनमानसको गुणासो छ। केवल झुठो आश्वासन मात्र गरेको आरोप लाग्दै आएको बिजेपीले २०१९ को लोकसभा चुनावको घोषणापत्रमा गोर्खाहरूका निम्ति” स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान” को कुरा उल्लेख गरेका थिए र यस विधानसभा चुनावको घोषणापत्रमा पनि गोर्खाहरूको महत्वपुर्ण मुद्धाहरूको समाधान गर्ने संकल्प गरेका छन्।

यसमध्ये विशेष “पहाडी क्षेत्रलाई संवैधानिक प्रावधान अनुरूप स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान” प्रदान गर्ने संकल्प दोहोराएका छन् जसलाई बीजेपीको राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा गरिने कार्यशैली हेर्दा र देशको प्रमुख मुद्दाहरूको समाधान गरेका कामहरूलाई हेर्दा तथा बीजेपीको राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्तिलाई हेर्दा बंगालमा सत्ता हासिल गर्नसाथ गोर्खाहरूको मुद्दालाई पनि सम्बोधन गर्ने प्रबल सम्भावनाको अपेक्षा गर्न सकिन्छ भनेर विश्वास गरेका छन् पहाडका मानिसले।

भारतीय जनता पार्टी (बीजेपी) जसलाई देशमा एउटा बलियो राजनीतिक इच्छाशक्ति भएको पार्टीको रूपमा मानिन्छ जसले राष्ट्रको हितमा विभिन्न मुद्धाहरूलाई सम्बोधन गरी समाधान गरेका छन्। धृढ संकल्प र साहसपुर्वक मुद्धाहरू समाधान गर्ने मोदी सरकारले फत्ते गरेका राष्ट्रको मुख्य मुद्धाहरू हुन् ;

सत्ता परिवर्तन र गोर्खाहरूको भविष्य

बंगालमा सत्ताबिरोधी लहर चलीरहेको छ। जनता तृणमूल सरकारलाई सत्ताबाट उखालेर फ्याक्न चाहान्छन्। यस समय फलाम तातिएको छ। गोर्खाहरूले २०१७ को तृणमूल सरकारको बर्बरता र अत्याचारको साटो फेर्ने मौका फेरि कहिले नपाउला। तृणमूल सरकारको बिरूद्धमा एक एक भोट ती शहीदहरूलाई सांचो श्रद्धाञ्जली हुनेछ। ममताको तृणमूल सरकार र गोर्खाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रिय प्रशासनले कहिले पनि गोर्खाहरूको हितमा काम गरेनन् र गर्ने पनि छैनन्। यो GTA विकलाङ व्यवस्थाले गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गरेन र गर्न सक्ने पनि छैन। पहाड प्रतिभा पलायनले ग्रस्त छ। हाम्रा हजारौं शिक्षित बेरोजगार युवाहरू विदेश पलायन हुन बाध्य छन् कारण बंगालले रोजगार दिनु सकेको छैन । जीटीएले आफ्नो खल्तीमा लुकाको भ्रष्टचारको पैसाले रोजगार दिनु सक्दैन।

बंगालमा ममता सरकार ढल्ने संकेत ममताले नै भविष्यवाणी गरी सकेकी कुरा उनको ,”बंगालमा बीजेपीले सरकार बनाउनसाथ बंगाललाई तीन भागमा विभाजन गर्नेछ।” भन्ने वयानले जनाइसकेको छ। तीन भागमा विभाजनको कुरा चै जनतालाई भ्रममा पार्ने अतिशयोक्ति (बढाइचढाइ) मात्र हो । तर त्यसमा उत्तर बंगाललाई (North Bengal) विकाशित गर्नलाई अलग्गै छुटाउने कुरा लगभग तयार भईसकेको बीजेपीको संकेत चुनावी घोषणापत्र मार्फत पनि छर्लङ्ग बुझिन्छ।

गोर्खाहरूको हितमा संकल्प गरिएका बुंदाहरू मध्ये “गोर्खाहरूको आकांक्षालाई सम्मान गर्दै संवैधानिक प्रावधान अनुरूप स्थायी राजनीतिक समाधान गरिने कुराले ठूलो आश्वासन पाएको र “बीजेपीले यो संकल्प पूरा गर्छ” भन्दै पहाडमा जनमानसले विश्वास व्यक्त गरेको बुझिन्छ। र शिक्षितवर्ग र बुढापाकाले यसपालिको भोटलाई ती शहीदहरू र टीएमसीको गोर्खाहरूको जातित्व, सांस्कृतिक पहिचानमाथि बारम्बार गरिने आक्रमणलाई सम्झी र बीजेपीले दिएको गोर्खाहरूको मुद्धालाई समाधान गर्ने संकल्पलाई सम्झी दुवै भावनात्मक र ब्यवहारिक दृष्टिकोणले टीएमसीलाई सत्ताच्युत गर्ने अभिप्रायले “चुपचाप कमल छाप” नारालाई भोटको दिन सार्थक तुल्याउने साधारण जनतादेखि लिएर समाजका “मौन योद्धा” (Silent Warriors) ले धृढ संकल्प गरेको कुरा जनमानसविच तीव्र गतिमा फैलिएको बुझिन्छ।

एक एक भोट टीएमसीको बिरूद्धले नै अनि बंगालमा बीजेपीको उदयले मात्र गोर्खाहरूको भाग्य र भविष्य निर्धारण गर्नेछ भन्ने कुरामा विश्वास्त पहाड तराई अनि डुवर्सका गोर्खाहरूले २३ अप्रेल २०२६ को दिनलाई पर्खीरहेका बताएका छन् ।

: सुदर्शन लिम्बू

The post विधानसभा चुनाव: भावनात्मक र व्यवहारिक दृष्टिकोण-कुन दृष्टिकोणले भोट हाल्ने? appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Interlocutor ToR includes “Addressing Gorkha Aspirations within the constitutional framework.”

Answering to a question raised by the Trinamool Congress MP from Maturapur, Bapi Halder, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityananda Rai has informed the Lok Sabha that the Government of India had “appointed an Interlocutor to hold constructive dialogue with various stakeholders”, as “there was no representation of the Government of West Bengal in two tripartite meetings, and no substantial representation in one meeting”, held on issues related to the Gorkha community.

The Minister said the “Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed following a tripartite agreement in 2011 between the Government of India, the Government of Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. In July 2017, all elected members of the GTA resigned. In view of the absence of elected members in the GTA and repeated requests for dialogue by Gorkha leaders, the Home Ministry convened three tripartite meetings on October 7, 2020, October 12, 2021, and April 3, 2025.

Subsequently, the Government of India appointed an Interlocutor fromer Dy NSA and IPS Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh to engage with various stakeholders, including representatives of Gorkha organizations, on issues concerning Gorkhas.

The interlocutor’s term is one year. The interlocutor will engage in constructive dialogue with various stakeholders and suggest measures to resolve these issues.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the interlocutor are as follows:

(i) To undertake constructive dialogue with various stakeholders including representatives of Gorkha organizations on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal and suggest measures to resolve issues and roadmap in this regard.

(ii) To hold discussions with other stakeholders in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal in this regard.

(iii) Recommend measures for socio-economic upliftment, cultural recognition, and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region, and addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.

It should be noted that interlocutor former Dy NSA Pankaj Kuma Singh (IPS) has been visiting the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region, and has held talks with various representatives here.

The post MHA Makes Interlocutor “Terms of Reference” Public appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Curious we asked who the baker was, and we were pointed to a dynamic young man, Sanjok Gurung originally from Marybong T.E.

We sat down for a short interview with him….

TheDC: How and when did you decide to take up baking as a profession. What inspired you?

Sanjok: The decision to take up baking wasn’t premeditated or planned I was always drawn to the F&B industry and wanted to build something of my own. After BBA and MBA, with internships and industry exposure, I explored different roles, including event management and later HR at Hindustan Coca-Cola.

I moved into banking due to family priorities but felt unfulfilled. I wanted ownership of my work and time. Since my baking turned out well, I began experimenting, learning from scratch, and investing in professional training at IBPA, Delhi.

With family support and growing orders, I took a leap of faith and started Cake Crush in Salbari in 2018 with no Plan B.

TheDC: How difficult was the shift from Banking to Baking?

Sanjok: The transition wasn’t very tough but wasn’t easy either; my better half however was convinced that I would make a much better baker than a banker.

I left behind a stable salary for entrepreneurship, where I handle everything – production, marketing, accounts, and delivery.

But, I am thankful for all the Orders that came in, it made the transition easy. If I hadn’t received so many orders initially when I started it would have been very demotivating and I would have questioned and considered getting back to Banking. I’m grateful for the Clients who have been kind and supportive.

TheDC: Did your family support your decision?

Sanjok: Absolutely. Family support, both emotional and financial is crucial in this field.  Family support decides if any business thrives or dies.

Initially and even now, I consider them my team. The long hours and pressure are intense, but my discipline and consistency helped earn their trust. Today, they’re my biggest support system.

TheDC: When did Cake Crush start? What challenges did you face?

Sanjok: I started Cake Crush in 2018. Early challenges included lack of skilled help, limited suppliers, minimal access to information, and managing inventory and wastage.

I learned through experience, attended fairs, and kept upgrading my knowledge and skills.

TheDC: So what is the most satisfying part of being a baker?

Sanjok: The most satisfying part of Being a baker, is that I have a close, warm bonding with my customers. I’ve been part of their journeys—from engagements to weddings to birthdays. My cakes are part of their milestones.

I also love contributing to the community, training young people and creating products like healthy, local-ingredient-based cookies at Gorkhey Haat.

Baking gives me both happiness and challenges, but I wouldn’t go back to banking.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Sanjok: My Dream is to get Commissioned for cakes that are celebratory, luxurious, colossal, detailed and demand engineering precision, structural planning, artistic sculpting and culinary ability and are challenging. I also want to make quality cakes accessible at every budget.

I hope to open another outlet, take on more creative projects, and continue building meaningful work in the industry.

TheDC: What advice would you give someone, who wants to follow on your footsteps?

Sanjok: My advice would be, if time, finance permits then, be trained professionally, and work in a professional set up before opening your own venture. The experience is Priceless. Start small, find your niche, and focus on fundamentals.

Keep learning, price your work wisely. More importantly, develop your own style, don’t just copy trends, this is what truly makes us Artists.

Even though every baker’s journey is unique, I am always ready to help you out, if you seek my help.

You can reach out to Sanjok Gurung at: Cake Crush, Panchnai Enclave, Salbari/Shop no.103, or Upper Basement, Citycentre, Siliguri 734009

The post Sanjok Gurung – Baking happiness, one cake at a time appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

We sat down for a short interview with him…

• Name: Samir Sharma 
• School(s): St Roberts\ Ghoom Boys \ Krishnamaya memorial  
• College(s): Govt College Darjeeling 

TheDC: What are you doing these days

Samir: I am currently in Salbari, running a Sound Track Recording Studio. Music arrangement, composition, recording, and mixing are what I mainly do. This is both my addiction and my profession, and I stay deeply immersed in it. Other than this, I write lyrics, and compose music, both for myself and for my clients.

TheDC: When did you decide you wanted to get into music, what got you into this field.

Samir: My love for music and literature began in childhood through casual singing and writing poems, even though I didn’t fully understand why I was drawn to it then. I started formal music training only after college, learning vocal music and piano under several respected teachers in Darjeeling.

I learned vocal music for a few months from Pradeep Chhetri sir in Darjeeling. I then began learning piano from Surajmani Bermey sir, who taught me many important things. Later, I studied piano up to Grade 4 under veteran musician Jeevan Rai sir. I then had the opportunity to learn from Daju Ajnish Rai, a veteran singer, composer, and music arranger from Darjeeling. He had returned from Mumbai after receiving professional training in Hindustani classical and experience there. Getting his guidance felt like nectar to me.

Over time, I gained a deeper understanding of music, developed my skills in arrangement and song writing, and decided to pursue music as my full-time profession, leaving behind a stable job as a computer teacher at the prestigious St. Joseph’s School, Darjeeling.

TheDC: Where did you go?

Samir: Driven by passion, I moved to Mumbai and spent nearly ten years working and learning in studios and production houses. During this period, I recorded legendary singers like Udit Narayan, Shaan, Kailash Kher, and Zubeen Garg and many more celebrity artists. I learned sound engineering, worked extensively on TV serials, and built strong professional connections. Eventually, I returned to composing and arranging music, creating around 90 devotional songs for Shemaroo Entertainment.

Alongside this journey, I collaborated on meaningful documentary and non-commercial film projects with director and close friend Anant V. Keni. Though I am now based in Darjeeling and he is in Mumbai, we continue to work together, thanks to the internet. Many experiences from this journey remain untold, and I hope to share them in time.

TheDC: Not many from our region get into creating music for documentaries or nature based shows, how do you train, what keeps you motivated?

Samir: I grew up in villages and small settlements, always surrounded by streams, and nature. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the जंगल, playing, wandering, and doing all kinds of things. Those scenes have stayed alive inside me and feel timeless.

The very nature of Darjeeling is such that it touches and influences any artist. The social and political environment of the place where I grew up also shaped me deeply.

I have always felt that my work should be useful to society, and should serve people, humanity, and their well-being. That is why I am naturally drawn toward such themes in my creative work.

TheDC: Tell us about your interest in Nepali Children’s songs

Samir: I always felt strongly is that we must work for our children. From the Indian side or India, there have been very little meaningful work in Nepali children’s songs. Majority of children’s music produced in Nepali language in India are mostly for advertising.

With my own effort, I have prepared and uploaded around 65 new and old Nepali children’s songs with animation on the Nivriti Soundtrack YouTube channel.

My friend Santosh lad from Mumbai helped in animation. Nepali children and parents from both India and abroad have benefited from this. These songs are also being taught in various schools in Nepal, which gives me immense happiness.

TheDC: What brought you back to Darjeeling?

Samir: It was this same love for my place and my community that eventually brought me back to Darjeeling from Mumbai.

TheDC: Tell us about the Ugly Green Planet

Samir: That Ugly Green Planet by Anant V. Keni has won the Best International Animation Film Award at CAMPINAS Film Festival 2025 (Brazil). With this, the film has now received 2 international awards and 17 official selections so far.

I feel truly thankful for the love and recognition.

TheDC: What are you busy with these days?

Samir: Currently, I am involved in various projects as a professional at Studio Soundtrack, Salbari, including recent works related to senior songwriter-composer Late Gopal Singh Bhandari, Doordarshan musical projects, and other regular studio assignments.

From all these works, what I have learned is this: I should never treat them as just “work.” They deserve greater awareness, care, and responsibility. These experiences have guided me in that direction, and that is the path my future journey will follow.

TheDC: How do you balance music and your life with family?

Samir: Managing a music career alongside family life is challenging, and for me, family support has been the key factor. Without it, continuing in this field would have been very difficult. My musical and technical skills helped me survive in the industry, even after leaving my teaching job, and working with various production houses.

Now, I run my own recording studio in Salbari, which allows me to give time to my family and children, though the ups and downs never really go away. My family has mostly been supportive of my unconventional career choice, even if they sometimes have mixed feelings, which is only natural.

TheDC: Where do you see yourself, 5-years from today

Samir: The journey will continue, and creation will keep flowing. Where it will lead and where it will end, I have left that to time. Along with music, I have a deep interest in literature. I write Nepali songs and ghazals, I still continue to receive guidance in Hindustani classical music from Barnali Basu ma’am in Siliguri. I am on a journey.

TheDC: Any word of advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps

Samir: This path is exciting, but full of ups and downs. Talent alone is not enough here; one also has to work a lot on behaviour and professionalism, which not everyone can manage. If talent and behaviour are kept in balance, the journey becomes much smoother.

One more thing I would like to add: music, literature, and all creative fields are going through a major shift because of AI. In some ways, it is helpful, it makes processes faster and more accessible. But personally, I feel that at least the core creative fields should remain free from interference, so that human skill, emotion, and creative sense can continue to grow naturally.

You can reach out to Samir Sharma on FB

The post Samir Sharma – Silently adding music in our lives appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Interlocutor Blues analyses the political development that have unfolded, following the annoucement of an Interlocutor for taking forward the talks related to Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars

General Bipin Rawat had once said “India has to be ready for a two-and-a-half front war”, with the half referring to unnamed internal enemies, who are always ready to do the bidding of others. Of late, I have come to realize, in Darjeeling, the Gorkhas are also fighting a two-and-a-half front war. We are not just fighting those who are opposed to us, we are fighting among ourselves, divided on party lines, and even within the party, there are further frictions.

Who does this help? Definitely not the Gorkhas.

The Interlocutor

On the 16^th of October, 2025 the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed former Deputy National Security Advisor (Dy-NSA) retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as the Interlocutor and Government of India Representative to hold discussions on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal.

As reported in the Telegraph, and as read by a senior journalist on a Live show, his mandate is to “undertake constructive dialogue with various stakeholders including representatives of Gorkha organisations on the issues relating to Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal and suggest measures to resolve issues and roadmap in this regard.”

Further, “to hold discussions with other stakeholders in Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region of West Bengal in this regard.”

Furthermore, “Recommend measures for socio-economic upliftment, cultural recognition, and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region, and addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.”

A fairly broad mandate, which in my opinion encompasses all issues including Scheduled Tribe re-inclusion for the left-out Gorkha sub-tribes through the “cultural recognition and preservation of cultural heritage of Gorkhas in the region,” and the long-awaited Permanent Constitutional Solution for our region as encompassed in “addressing their aspirations within the Constitutional framework.” For me, what’s more important is that the area demarcated is Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars, and the discussions will not just be confined to the Gorkhas, but will also incorporate views of “other stakeholders’ in the Darjeeling Hills, Tarai and Dooars region.”

The appointment of a former Deputy-NSA, no less, signifies the seriousness with which the Central Government is going about this issue. A critical appointment, in a critical geography, which has direct implications on India’s National Security.

Interlocutor Blues

Even before the news of the appointment had been properly reported in the media, the ruling party in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, spokesperson for Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) Spokesperson had already denounced the appointment as another “Conspiracy to put the Gorkhas back in the sack – गोर्खालाई फेरि बोरामा हाल्ने षड्यंत्र.” They had further added, “the appointment of the Interlocutor by BJP has been done only for the sake of making it easy to give speeches.”

While Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Gorkha National Liberation Front, Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM) etc welcomed the announcement, the denouncements were louder to say the least.

On October 19^th the Indian Gorkha Jan Shakti Front (IGJF) held a press conference welcoming the appointment of the Interlocutor. This was followed closely by a Central Committee Member of IGJF through his article “Another Interlocutor, another election: Why Darjeeling Hills has reason to doubt” arguing that “under the BJP, interlocutors are appointed before major elections to create an impression of action, but once votes are secured, the dialogue loses urgency. The timing of the latest appointment, just ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, raises similar doubts about their intent”.

This has been followed by many “social workers” questioning the authenticity of the appointment, and demanding to know the mandate of the appointment.

On 18^th of October, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Prime Minister, expressing her “objection to the Central Government’s decision to appoint former IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor for discussions on Gorkha-related issues in Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars”.

On October 24th IGJF Chief citing the letter written by Mamata Banerjee to the Prime Minister’s Office and the PMO allegedly forwarding it to the Home Ministry for reconsideration (as reported in the Telegraph), claimed that, this “exhibits the weakness of the BJP in the Centre and their Alliance Partners.” He had further appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister thus, “We are not happy with the GTA, and you yourself had also said in the past that you would give us PPS. Therefore, this matter of the Interlocutor should be resolved quickly, because saying one thing before Tihar and something completely different after Tihar is not good – हामी जिटिएमा खुसी छैनौं अनि तपाईले पनि बिगतको दिनहरूमा पिपिएस म दिन्छु भन्नु भएको थियोे। त्यसर्थ यो इन्टरलोक्युटरको विषय चाडै समाधान होस् किनकी तिहार अघि एउटा कुरा अनि तिहार पछि अर्कै कुरा राम्रो होइन।“

On November 18th, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written another letter to the Prime Minister in which she has claimed, “it is a matter of grave concern that without any further communication in response to my letter and despite your kind intervention, the Office of the Interlocutor under Ministry of Home Affairs, has, vide Memo dated 10th November 2025, communicated that the office of the interlocutor HAS ALREADY STARTED FUNCTIONING, THIS IS REALLY SHOCKING”.

The Half Front

If you study the appointment of the Interlocutor issue, the Chief Minister of West Bengal has written two letters to the PMO, opposing the appointment. However, I am yet to see or become aware of any Gorkha politician writing to the PMO thanking for the appointment. I am sure our politicians are busy, but definitely they wouldn’t be as busy as the Chief Minister, would they?

What’s important to note here is that, the Chief Minister who, I am assuming is receiving all official communications, has already taken a stand against the appointment of the Interlocutor. The West Bengal government, thus emerge as the first front opposed to finding Constitutional Solution through constructive dialogue.

The second front will naturally be the political parties based in Bengal, like TMC or even BJP Bengal and Congress Bengal, who will outright oppose any solution for our region, they see it as an infringement on their domain.

What’s more worrisome is that while Gorkhas should be uniting and united for a cause, we are not working towards that. The call by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha for all political parties to attend a discussion regarding creating a common platform and agenda to take to the Interlocutor was met with cold shoulders by some political groups. Instead of uniting, it has exposed our existing fault lines further.

This is where, the half-front will come into play. They will try and create divisions, diversions, and doubts among us.

United we stand

I hope our politicians, and more importantly the citizens of our region will recognize the need for unity at this moment. In our unity, lies the defeat of those who have treated us as a distant colony, those who have treated us as a second-class citizen, those who have killed our brothers and sisters in cold blood.

Remember, the Interlocutor is not just a talks facilitator; he is also a Government of India representative with a wide mandate. So, let us put our best foot forward, and stay united. Let us ensure that the Constitutional Solution we derive through this exercise is something that will address our generational aspirations, safeguard our political, social, cultural, linguistic and economic space. Most important of all, let us ensure a Constitutional Solution which will address the crisis of identity that Gorkhas and the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars have had to face till date – i.e a state called Gorkhaland

The post Interlocutor Blues appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Back in 1997, the former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta had alleged MK Subba to be a citizen of Nepal, and even initiated a CBI query against him, a few months before he won the Lok Sabha election for the first time from Tezpur constituency in 1998. The issue of his citizenship prolonged. In 2007, one Ashok Kumar Subba, who was at that time a leader of the Janata Party lodged a complaint once again claiming that MK Subba was born in Nepal.

He lost the 2009 elections, and CBI despite taking over a decade could not prove him a citizen of Nepal.

Chamling Questioned

We know, Pawan Kumar Chamling as one of the longest serving Chief Ministers of Sikkim. Yet in 2009, BJP leaders accused PK Chamling of holding a dual citizenship. In fact, BJP leader Harendra Pratap, who was then in-Charge of BJP Affairs in the eight North-Eastern States went further and accused Chamling of being a votary of ‘Greater Nepal’ and that he has links with Nepal Maoists.

In 2018, one Padam Prakash Sharma repeated the allegations, claiming Chamling is a citizen of Nepal and should be disqualified, and in September 2018, Delhi High Court sought directions from the Central Government. This was also a few months before Sikkim elections, which were to be held in April 2019.

Incidentally, SDF lost the 2019 elections and paved way for the SKM government to be formed. That case has now gone hush.

Anit – A word of caution

The allegations against Anit Thapa are not new. They had surfaced prior to 2021 elections, and are again being repeated as the West Bengal Assembly elections are near.

Those who have followed my writings over the years, will know, I will be the last person to defend Anit Thapa. However, having seen politics much closer than most people do, I have come to realize that, alleging a Gorkha politician of being a “foreigner – citizen of Nepal” is the easiest way to dent their reputation.

Not that Anit Thapa has a stellar reputation, however, I personally feel that, those making such allegations, should have a more solid grounds to stand on.

Of course, it is your right to know, and of course it is your right to find answers to if someone occupying the post of a cabinet Minister is actually a citizen of our nation or not. But speak about it, once you have concrete proof, if Anit is an Indian citizen or not. Merely pandering the allegations, that too, based on allegations made by an obscure website in Nepal, and doing press release followed by press releases, doesn’t help anyone, other than your politics.

It may perhaps help, if those making such allegations reflected on the fact that, every such allegations against Gorkha politicians, harms the “Gorkha identity” further, and by extension, all Gorkhas (including the Sikkimese Nepalis) are viewed with suspicion.

The post “FOREIGNER” – The tag that hounds Gorkhas (and Sikkimese Nepalis) appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Gorkha Hill Transport Composite Complex has been turned into a private hotel by the current disposition writes Yurish Pradhan

During the tenure of Subhash Ghisingh and under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), a vision was laid out to create a Gorkha Hill Transport Composite Complex in Darjeeling More, Siliguri – a project inspired by the Sikkim Nationalised Transport Composite Complex.

The plan was to build a unified transport hub that would serve as a lifeline for the hill population, designed to benefit both local passengers and hill taxi drivers across Darjeeling.

This initiative promised to bring organization and relief to the chaotic transport system of the hills. Passengers would have been able to conveniently find vehicles to destinations such as Kurseong, Sukhia, Mungpoo, and other hill regions, all from one central location.

For the drivers, it would have ended years of harassment from traffic restrictions, syndicate mafias, and irregular parking issues.

The complex was envisioned as a safe, structured, and publicly owned space a people’s project built through public funds and taxpayers’ money.

However, that vision has been betrayed.

The land, which was originally allotted for the welfare of the people, has reportedly been leased out to private operators, who have turned it into a commercial hotel. What was once meant to be a transport composite complex for public benefit, has now been converted into a private enterprise, depriving the hill community of a crucial public facility.

It is unacceptable that public properties built for the welfare of the common people are being taken over by private players for personal gain. Such actions enrich a few individuals while depriving the Gorkha community of facilities that were created for their collective well-being. This reflects a disturbing trend where the voices and rights of the working class are being ignored in the name of development and commercialization.

This act has caused public outrage, with citizens and drivers voicing their anger at what they see as a blatant misuse of public property. The decision reflects a growing pattern of privatization of community assets, where land and facilities created through collective effort and taxpayer money are slowly being transferred to private hands.

The people of the hills have every reason to feel betrayed. The Gorkha Hill Transport Composite Complex was not just a development project, it was a symbol of self-reliance, organization, and respect for local drivers who form the backbone of the hill economy. Its loss to private interests is not just the loss of land, but the loss of trust in governance and accountability.

The call from the people is clear – Public property must remain for public use. What belongs to the community must not be turned into a playground for private profit.

Writes: Yurish Pradhan

The post Gorkha Hill Transport Composite Complex – A betrayal appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Mahakal, The Mandir I Knew is a reflection by Abhimanyu on how a once inclusive Dara Mandir is gradually changing it’s nature, and if it’s a good thing?

Growing up in Darjeeling, the Dara Mandir was not just a temple to me but a space of spiritual coexistence. It shaped my idea of religion in many ways.

My earliest memories are of walking there with my parents and grandparents. My maternal grandfather, a devout Shiva bhakta, would walk barefoot every Monday from Harshing to Dara Mandir. His walk to the temple and back was not just a religious ritual but an expression of devotion rooted in place and community. On his way back, he would distribute prasad to everyone he met- irrespective of caste or religion.

What always intrigued me as a child was the unique spiritual landscape of the temple complex. A Buddhist lama would sit beside a Hindu pandit, and nearby, the bojuthan near the aloo dokan and the Kali Mandir was tended by a ‘Madhise’ Bahun.

These contradictions puzzled me- is Dara Mandir really a Hindu temple? or was it a Gumba? Or what is it even? These questions also shaped my understanding of what it meant to be Hindu in Darjeeling. Even the view of St. Andrew’s Church from the temple caves added to my sense of spirituality; it never became a contradiction, but a complement.

For me, being Hindu was never about rigid codes or centralized doctrines. Dara Mandir became a shared identity, a Darjeelingey or “Gorkha” way of being that embraced diversity and coexistence. I’ve met practicing Christians in Chowrasta who hold Dara Mandir in reverence, not out of religious obligation but out of respect for its place in our collective memory.

But lately, I’ve felt a growing sense of disconnection. The remaking of Dara Mandir in line with the recent trends in other parts of India (though perhaps well-intentioned by some) feels like an attempt to codify and standardize a spiritual experience that was always fluid and inclusive.

The loud bhajans echoing through the ‘backside’, the newly imposed dress codes, and the emphasis on conformity over community, which defines what it is to be Hindu and what it is not, have changed the atmosphere.

I’m not here to judge whether these changes are good or bad. Of course, change is inevitable, but I do want to express how disconnected I feel from the Dara Mandir I once knew.

This isn’t just nostalgia. The recent changes have alienated many of us who once found peace in the temple’s openness. I believe many others may feel similarly, and perhaps that’s why we’re seeing more voices speak up.

This article is not a statement of fact, but a personal reflection, and I’m simply sharing how I feel.

Writes: Abhimanyu

Pics: We are most grateful to the ace photographer Surendra Pradhan for permitting us to use his pics for the article.

The post Mahakal, The Mandir I Knew appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral roll, where voter verification is done from scratch. This is different from the regular annual summary revision that accounts for new voters, deaths, and migration. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered this for Bihar, and now it will be implemented in 12 states and UTs, including West Bengal.

Since 1951 to 2004, it has been done 8-times. The last SIR was done in 2002-2004.

विशेष गहन संशोधन (SIR) भनेको के हो?

विशेष गहन संशोधन भनेको मतदाता सूचीको पूर्ण पुनरावलोकन हो, जहाँ मतदाता प्रमाणीकरण शून्यबाट सुरु गरिन्छ। यो वार्षिक सारांश पुनरावलोकनभन्दा फरक हुन्छ, जसमा नयाँ मतदाता थप्ने, मृत्यु भएका व्यक्तिहरू हटाउने, र स्थानान्तरण भएका व्यक्तिहरूको विवरण अद्यावधिक गर्ने गरिन्छ। निर्वाचन आयोग (ECI) ले यो प्रक्रिया बिहारमा सुरु गरेको छ र र अब यो १२ राज्यहरू तथा संघीय क्षेत्रहरूमा लागू गरिनेछ, जसमा पश्चिम बङ्गाल पनि समावेश छ।

सन् १९५१ देखि २००४ सम्म यो ८ पटक गरिएको छ। अन्तिम एसआईआर सन् २००२-२००४ मा गरिएको थियो।

Why is the 2002 Voter List Important?

The 2002 voter list is a significant document. If your name was on the 2002 electoral roll, you are already considered a valid voter in India, and generally, no further proof of citizenship is required by the Election Commission. You would only need to submit the relevant page from the 2002 electoral roll as proof.

२००२ को मतदाता सूची किन महत्वपूर्ण छ?

२००२ को मतदाता सूची एक महत्वपूर्ण दस्तावेज हो। यदि तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा समावेश छ भने, तपाईंलाई भारतको मान्य मतदाता मानिन्छ र सामान्यतया नागरिकता प्रमाणित गर्न अन्य थप कागजात आवश्यक पर्दैन। तपाईंले २००२ को मतदाता सूचीको सम्बन्धित पृष्ठ मात्र पेश गर्नुपर्छ।

Required Documents Based on Year of Birth:

The required documents may vary based on your date of birth. Here is a likely scenario based on the process in other states:

• Born before January 1, 1987: If your name is in the 2002 electoral roll, a copy of that page is sufficient. Otherwise, you will need to provide one of the specified documents to prove your eligibility.
• Born between January 1, 1987, and January 1, 2002: You will need to provide one of the specified documents for yourself. Additionally, if your father’s or mother’s name is on the 2002 electoral roll, a copy of that page will suffice. Otherwise, one of the specified documents for either parent will be required.
• Born after January 1, 2002: You will need to provide one of the specified documents for yourself. For both parents, if their names are on the 2002 electoral roll, you need to submit a copy of that page. If not, one of the specified documents for each parent will be necessary.

जन्म मिति अनुसार आवश्यक कागजातहरू:

जन्म मिति अनुसार आवश्यक कागजातहरू फरक पर्न सक्छन्। अन्य राज्यहरूमा लागू प्रक्रियाका आधारमा सम्भावित अवस्था यस्तो हुन सक्छ:

• १ जनवरी १९८७ भन्दा पहिले जन्मिएकाहरू: यदि तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा छ भने, त्यसको प्रतिलिपि पर्याप्त हुन्छ। नभएमा, तपाईंले निर्दिष्ट कागजातहरू मध्ये कुनै एक पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ।
• १ जनवरी १९८७ र १ जनवरी २००२ बीच जन्मिएकाहरू: तपाईंले स्वयम्‌का लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। साथै, यदि तपाईंका बुबा वा आमा २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा छन् भने, त्यसको प्रतिलिपि पर्याप्त हुन्छ। नभएमा, बुबा वा आमामध्ये एकजनाका लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ।
• १ जनवरी २००२ पछि जन्मिएकाहरू: तपाईंले स्वयम्‌का लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। साथै, दुबै अभिभावकको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा भएमा तिनको प्रतिलिपि पेश गर्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। यदि छैन भने, दुबै अभिभावकका लागि निर्दिष्ट कागजात आवश्यक पर्छ।

What is the Enumeration Form?

Every person aged 18 and above who wishes to be included in the voter list must fill out an enumeration form. This form will be provided by the Booth Level Officer (BLO) or can be filled out online through the NVSP (National Voter Service Portal).

गणना फारम (Enumeration Form) के हो?

१८ वर्ष वा सोभन्दा बढी उमेर भएका हरेक व्यक्तिले मतदाता सूचीमा नाम समावेश गराउन गणना फारम भर्नुपर्छ। यो फारम बुथ तहका अधिकृत (BLO) मार्फत दिइनेछ वा राष्ट्रिय मतदाता सेवा पोर्टल (NVSP) बाट अनलाइन भर्न सकिनेछ।

Common Concerns and Solutions:

• Change in EPIC Number: If your EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card) number has changed since 2002, there is no need to worry. The Election Commission can link your old and new numbers.
• Spelling or Date of Birth Errors: Minor errors in the 2002 electoral roll are generally not a cause for concern, especially if your current EPIC has the correct information. For significant errors, you can use one of the alternative documents with the correct details.
• Address Change (especially for women after marriage): Even if your address has changed, if your name was on the 2002 electoral roll, you are still considered a valid voter. You just need to provide the relevant page from the 2002 list.
• Applying from outside the state: The enumeration form can be filled out online through the NVSP portal once the process officially begins in West Bengal.
• Documents and photos can also be uploaded online.

सामान्य चिन्ता र समाधानहरू:

• EPIC नम्बर परिवर्तन भएको छ भने:
  यदि २००२ यताका वर्षहरूमा तपाईंको मतदाता परिचय पत्र (EPIC) नम्बर परिवर्तन भएको छ भने चिन्ता लिनुपर्ने आवश्यक छैन। निर्वाचन आयोगले पुरानो र नयाँ नम्बरलाई आपसमा जोड्न सक्छ।
• नामको हिज्जे वा जन्म मिति त्रुटि:
  २००२ को सूचीमा साना गल्तीहरू सामान्यतया ठूलो समस्या मानिँदैन, विशेष गरी तपाईंको हालको EPIC कार्डमा सही विवरण छ भने। तर यदि गम्भीर त्रुटि छ भने, तपाईंले सही विवरण भएको वैकल्पिक कागजात प्रयोग गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ।
• ठेगाना परिवर्तन (विशेष गरी विवाहपछिको महिलाहरूका लागि):
  यदि तपाईंको ठेगाना परिवर्तन भएको भए पनि, तपाईंको नाम २००२ को मतदाता सूचीमा समावेश छ भने, तपाईं अझै मान्य मतदाता मानिनुहुन्छ। तपाईंले त्यसको प्रतिलिपि मात्र पेश गर्नुपर्छ।
• अन्य राज्यबाट आवेदन दिने:
  पश्चिम बंगालमा प्रक्रिया सुरु भएपछि गणना फारम NVSP पोर्टलमा अनलाइन भर्न सकिनेछ। आवश्यक कागजातहरू र फोटोहरू पनि अनलाइन अपलोड गर्न सकिनेछ।

2002 VOTERS LIST – To download, click on the link below

Those from Darjeeling can check 2002 list here: DARJEELING

Those from Kalimpong can check 2002 list here: KALIMPONG

Those from Kurseong can check 2002 list here: KURSEONG

Those from Siliguri can check 2002 list here: SILIGURI

Those from Phansidewa can check 2002 list here: PHANSIDEWA

Those from Mal can check 2002 list here: MAL BAZAR

Those from Kalchini can check 2002 list here: KALCHINI

Those from Madarihat can check 2002 list here: MADARIHAT

Those from Nagrakata can check 2002 list here: NAGRAKATA

Those from Kumargram can check 2002 list here: KUMARGRAM

Those from Alipurduar can check 2002 list here: ALIPURDUAR

Those from Falakata can check their 2002 list here: FALAKATA

Those from Dhupguri can check their 2002 list here: DHUPGURI

Those from Nagrakata can check their 2002 list here: NAGRAKATA

Those from Mainaguri can check their 2002 list here: MAINAGURI

Those from Kranti can check their 2002 list here: KRANTI

Those from Jalpaiguri can check their 2002 list here: JALPAIGURI

Those from Rajganj can check their 2002 list here: RAJGANJ

Those from Chopra can check their 2002 list here: CHOPRA

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