“Taming the Beast” discusses the BJP candidacy for Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat and asserts that people are tired of one-term MPs, they are in favour of contnuity of issues and leadership

In 2019, after the voting phase of the election was over, a local TMC funded marketing-portal had asked “where’s the beast”? in reference to Raju Bista. A typical Darjeeling quip, which, I remember made me smile.

Five years down the road, I must confess, Raju Bista has indeed gone onto become the “beast of burden” for our people, and our entire region. Being a student of politics, I have watched Raju Bista’s entry and the way he has worked for our region, especially for the Gorkha cause, with a keen interest.

I find him to be a sincere and dedicated politician, who has worked with due dedication and a rare honesty towards addressing both the developmental needs, and political aspirations of our people. Be it his outreach among the most remote and economically marginalised sections and families, providing relief and support during the COVID crisis, helping students and youths outside the constituency, providing support to those outside India, helping medical patients, to even paying for their funeral, Raju Bista has exemplified leadership.

It is because of his youthful energy that many of the major infrastructural deficiencies of our region, are being addressed at a pace much faster than ever before. Be it the construction of the elevated highway corridor from Balason to Sevoke Army cantonment, Ring Road around Siliguri, Alternative Highway to Darjeeling, Re-development of Bagdogra Airport, alternative to Coronation bridge, and numerous rural road projects, improvement of healthcare facilities, conservation of our environment, demand for Central Univeristy, AIIMS, converting Darjeeling and Kalimpong District Hospital to medical colleges Bista has requested the Ministers concerned, followed it up with requests raised in the Parliament, and multiple reminders to the higher-ups. 

It may be another five or ten years before people actually get to see fruits of Raju Bista’s labour, in the form of physical infrastructure being built and completed, but he has laid the foundation work for major transformation of infrastructure in our region.

But more importantly, he has constantly reminded the central government their commitment to fulfilling the political issue concerning our region permanently, and ensuring the re-inclusion of 11 left-out Gorkha sub-tribes as Schedule Tribes in every session of the Parliament. Raju Bista has emerged as a vocal, and outspoken champion of the people’s aspirations from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region.

And perhaps this is what makes New Delhi uncomfortable.

Bhumiputra vs Bhumi for the Putras and Putris

Despite claims to contrary, it is clear that the BJP central leadership and also BJP West Bengal Unit have not been sincere towards Gorkha aspirations. So definitely they are not happy with Raju Bista constantly raking up the PPS and Gorkha ST issue. It makes them uncomfortable, when a youthful MP reminds them of their constant failure to address these issues. So they would rather have a “Maun-Mohan” than a “Modi” among their ranks. They would rather have someone who strictly toes the party line, and avoids contentious issues like PPS and Gorkha ST.

Hence, there is a very strong rumor going around that BJP central leadership is seeking to replace Raju Bista with Harshavardhan Shringla.

Mr. Shringla, is the former foreign secretary of India, no less. He comes from a family of diplomats, with his aunt Chokila Iyer being the first female foreign secretary of India. So definitely he has enough pull in the power corridors of Delhi to swing the bat his way.

It is interesting that he has been projected, mostly by TMC sleeper-cells, as the “Bhumiputra” candidate. Even though he was born in Maharashtra, studied outside Darjeeling all his life, and wasn’t known to visit Darjeeling much. Interestingly this same “Bhumiputra” narrative has earlier been used by TMC candidate Amar Rai in 2019 and failed.

But, does the rise of “Bhumiputra” assure Bhumi for the Putra and Putris?

That is a question, which may find answer in that, more than local BJP party organisation, supporters or common people, the lobbying for Shringla’s candidature and narrative generation on his behalf, has been mostly done by TMC sleeper-cells and their friends in the media.

Mr. Shringla may be BJP central leadership’s choice, but this much I can say, he is definitely not the choice of the masses in our region. Majority of the people I have spoken to regarding possible BJP candidacy, cringe when they hear Mr. Shringla could be BJP’s choice.

In Shringla, it seems that both BJP Central leadership and TMC have found a neutral candidate, who will not rock the political boat with constant reminder for PPS or Gorkha ST issue, who will toe the party line, and add another feather to his personal cap by becoming the MoS in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Side-lining our Aspirations

For the first time in decades, Darjeeling has finally found a Member of Parliament, who works hard, is known to be corruption free, easily accessible and fearless. In trying to side-line him, BJP central leadership is perhaps hoping to side-line the Gorkha aspirations too.

Will the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars allow BJP to run-roughshod from Delhi? Highly unlikely.

Darjeeling will likely see a rebellion, if BJP central leadership decides to shove their choice down the throat of the people. Common people are tired of one-term MPs; they want their current MP to continue his good work, and to continue raising the Gorkha demands.

It is up to the BJP central leadership to decide, if they want to encourage performance and hard-work or political expediency?

But they should be ready for the consequences of their action, if the actions go against the people. No one should take public support for granted.

The post Taming The Beast – Now, TMC May Shring-la? appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Darjeeling Municipality Councillors take oath

March 15, 2022: Elected councillors in the recently municipality elections took their oath at Darjeeling Municipality. Watch the video here.

Another newly formed party, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), won nine seats and will be the main Opposition. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) won 3 seats, while TMC party won two seats.

Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP raise demand for 3 Ropeway projects in the parliament

15, March, 2022: Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP, Raju Bista raised the demand for three ropeway projects in Darjeeling Hills under the newly announced ‘Parvatmala’ Scheme of the Central Government. The Central Government in its Union Budget 2022-23 has announced a National Ropeways Development Programme Scheme to be taken up under PPP model for ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.

In his demand, Bista raised ropeway projects in the following locations:

• Singmari to Singla
• Batasia to Rock garden, and
• Tungsung to Pandam

Darjeeling Rajya Sabha MP Shanta Chhetri raise Issue of Gorkha ST status

15, March, 2022: Rajya Sabha MP, Ms. Shanta Chhetri raised the ST issue for 11 left-out Gorkha communities and stated that West Bengal had already approved in 2014 and requested the House to seek an explanation from the Central government for the unreasonable delay in granting the ST status.

Darjeeling MLA seeks answer on Sainik School delay in Assembly

15, March, 2022: In the ongoing West Bengal Assembly session, Darjeeling MLA, Neeraj Zimba Tamang raised the matter regarding delay in the establishment of Sainik School in Darjeeling, The proposal for establishing a Sainik School in Darjeeling was given an ‘in-principle’ approval by the Ministry of Defence in 2012.

The MLA in his social media posts stated that “the State Government had proposed for the establishment of Sainik School in 2012. But following that the Ministry of Defence did not send any letter of approval or allotment of Sainik School to the State Government. He has assured that the State Government will take up the issue when they receive the Sainik School approval letter from the Defence Ministry.”

Kurseong MLA BP Bajgain raise Land Rights for Tea Garden Workers

11 March, 2022: In the ongoing West Bengall Assembly, Kurseong MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma in his question to the Labour Minister regarding land rights for the workers.

In his question he cited, if land ownership can be provided to hotels like the Taj and Mayfair, why are the workers denied of their land rights. BP Sharma in his social media posts states that “यो प्रश्न ल्याण्ड डिपार्टमेन्टको प्रश्न भएकोले मैले ल्याण्ड डिपार्टमेन्टलाई नै सोध्नुपर्ने श्रम मन्त्रीले बताए। ल्याण्ड डिपार्टमेन्टलाई पनि सोध्छु नै”

The post Darjeeling Politics & Issues – The week that was appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Recently, there was a series of violence and arson in Vijaynagar, wherein a 500-odd strong mob, allegedly armed with weapons burnt down government buildings including the Extra Assistant Commissioner’s (EAC) office, Strategic Office, post-office, and also ransacked the local police station. The families and descendants of the ex-army families were also threatened of eviction by Yobin Students Union.

Here, it must be noted that during the 1960s, many retired and ex-army personnel of Assam Rifles, mostly belonging to the Gorkha community were sent by the Government of India to settle down in the easternmost frontiers of Vijaynagar. This region holds critical strategic importance from India’s national security perspective.

Speaking to TheDC, a member of the delegation said “the Hon’ble Defence Minister gave a patient hearing to our plights and said that he will speak with the State Government regarding the issue. The Minister also assured us that all measures will be taken up for ensuring the protection and safety of the Ex-Army families living in the area.”

The delegation also submitted a copy of their with Darjeeling MLA, Neeraj Tamang Zimba who is currently in Delhi.

“Presently, we are also consulting with lawyers and preparing to file a petition with the Supreme Court for intervention. We are exploring all options to ensure that our families are protected and safeguarded in the long run as the matter not only pertains to our individual lives, but the security of the nation in long run. It must be noted that our grandfathers did not come here by choice, but following the orders of the Government of India. We have contributed to the development of this uninhabited land so that it could be part of India. But today, once our utility is over, we are being asked to evict and go away. This is injustice to us” said a member of the delegation.

The post Vijaynagar Ex-Army Family Delegation Meets Defence Minister – Highlight recent eviction threat appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

While GNLF leader Ajay Edwards citing Darjeeling MP Raju Bista’s home quarantine yesterday said, “Darjeeling MP Raju Bista sat for 14 days Home Quarantine setting a good example for everyone, I request Anit Thapa and Binay Tamang too to observe Home Quarantine after coming back from Kolkata”. Binay Tamang was seen visiting quarantine facility in Ranju Valley on 27th June 2020.

Reacting to this, one Keshav Raj Pokharel from the AT-BT camp has claimed in The Statesman, “the government SOP, which the GNLF is citing, does not apply to our leaders as it is an intra-state travel. The state government has a guideline for domestic travel by air within the state which maintains that on arrival, health screening will be done for all passengers. Those asymptomatic persons will be released with the instructions that they self-monitor themselves for 14-days and contact the different helplines if they show symptoms. These are being followed by our leaders.”

“The leaders should read government protocols before misleading the people” Mr. Pokharel adds for good measure.

So we decided to look into it and see what’s what

What Mr. Pokharel claims was true as of 25^th of May 2020 and indeed the West Bengal government had issued such a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the “Guidelines for domestic travel by air.”

However, on the 27^th of May, 2020 the Government of West Bengal had modified the SOP and issued the “Revised SoP for medical screening of migrant labors, stranded tourists and students arriving in groups” notification. Under the revised guidelines, it states, “After medical screening, all asymptomatic persons will be released with instruction for 14-days strict home quarantine.”

This document does not make any distinction between international, interstate or intra-state travellers. The document is simple and straightforward anyone coming into the region/state should follow strict home quarantine.

It might have perhaps helped if Mr. Pokharel had acted on his own statement, “The leaders should read government protocols before misleading the people”.

But, to quarantine or not to, is more of a moral question and not a question of simple enforcement alone. Kolkata is one of the hottest COVID zones in India, so naturally, people should be cautious after travelling to the city. If we are requiring our own brothers and sisters coming from these cities to remain in mandatory quarantine, what exempts Mr. Anit and Mr. Binay? What makes them COVID proof?

The reason why West Bengal is so messed up today is because no one in authority or power feels the need to follow the law. They have always considered over and above the law. By visiting one of the quarantine centres, immediately after coming back from Kolkata yesterday, Mr. Binay Tamang has shown, to which side his moral compass swings and perhaps that of his team members too. Should such people aspire to lead?? What example are they setting for others?? It would serve them well if they reflected on these sentiments.

Also, Mr. Edwards who is so much in favour of opening Darjeeling for tourists – will he require the same level of scrutiny and caution from the tourists too? Will all tourists coming to Darjeeling have to undergo mandatory 14-day lockdown?? We all should ponder over it too.

The post To Quarantine or not to Quarantine – The Anit Binay Conundrum appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Yesterday, West Bengal Tourism Minister Gautam Deb had yesterday alleged that the Central Govt was charging money from the stranded people.

Reacting to which Darjeeling MP Raju Bista had released a scathing Press Release, in which he had accused Mr. Gautam Deb of “lying”.

Mr. Bista in his release had said, “These claims are blatantly untrue.

These claims also showcase how even in this period of crisis, TMC is indulging in politics of lies, fabrication and deceit.

The simple fact is that the West Bengal government has REFUSED to pay their share of the train fare, and instead they have charged the fare from the stranded people directly.

I would advise Goutam Deb Ji to inquire with his TMC Party Leader and Hon’ble CM of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee Ji as to why their Government has refused to pay for the tickets of the migrant’s workers, students, medical patients, and pilgrims who are stuck outside the state? In fact, I encourage him to file an RTI inquiry into who’s responsible for charging fare from our beleaguered people, when they are struggling to make ends meet in distant cities.

People have a right to know, let the truth come out in public.”

He had further accused WB Govt of not doing enough to bring back the stranded people.

“As such West Bengal government has failed the people of the state who are stranded outside and deliberately delayed their evacuation. Until today, States like UP has run 490 Shramik Special trains to evacuate their people, Bihar which is our neighbour has used 254 trains to evacuate their people, and even a small state like Sikkim is evacuating their people from all over India.

Whereas, till today only 9 trains have come to Bengal. Will Gautam Ji kindly explain to the people of our state, who is responsible for this? Whose failures have caused this delay?” MP Bista had said.

MP Bista had outraged, “It is wrong for anyone to lie or mislead people and particularly so for someone who holds the Constitutional post of a Minister in the State Cabinet.

I request Gourtam Deb Ji to apologize to our stranded people for lying to them and seek their forgiveness or he should prove that the Central Government has not paid its share of the train cost.

It is highly unethical of the TMC government, which has failed the people of West Bengal because of their gross incompetence to continue to lie and misinform the people, to hide their own failures.

I believe such an immoral and unethical government have lost all rights to govern our state.”

According to Siliguri Times, Mr. Deb had yesterday said, “although the Railways and the Central Government had earlier announced that 85 percent discount will be given on Sramik Special train tickets, no such facility has been provided to the passengers travelling in such special trains in Bangalore, but instead they were allegedly charged with an extra amount of 80 rupees.”

The Minister further stated that “a shortage of food and water was also faced by the passengers in their journey. Such a situation raises a question on the role of the Central government and the Railway Department amid the pandemic.”

The post West Bengal Govt to Pay Full Fare – After Darjeeling MP Raju Bista Accused Minister Gautam Deb of “Lying” appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

To put this in context, our MP Shri Raju Bista has placed a demand for the implementation of the 3 tier Panchayati Raj system in Darjeeling by an amendment of Article 243 M (3).

GNLF says that Shri Bishta should not take this initiative forward as the existing Article provides a special security and protection shield to the Gorkhas. Their statement has left the Gorkhas befuddled as we cannot comprehend how security and protection are guaranteed by the existing Article

Very recently, Mr Gautam Deb spoke about Gorkhas being forced to leave Darjeeling Tarai and Dooars if NRC is implemented. Perhaps the GNLF can throw some light on this issue. Furthermore, the Article in question, 243 M(3) has validity within the jurisdiction of DGHC and DGHC does not exist anymore which automatically invalidates Article 243 M (3). In the absence of DGHC, this Article does not hold any worth. It only took one simple sentence in the GTA Agreement to make DGHC null and void. This in itself reflects the constitutional insignificance of DGHC and the doublespeak of GNLF’s belief that DGHC was constitutional in character. Clause (b) of the said Article which says “Shall be construed to affect the functions and powers of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council constituted under such law.” makes it clear that the Clause (a), which says “Relating to Panchayats at the district level shall apply to the hill areas of the District of Darjeeling in the State of West Bengal for which Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council exists under any law for the time being in force;” which Mr Zimba is trying to sell to our innocent folks, is only to give meaning to the functions and powers of DGHC. It would be enlightening to hear Mr Zimba’s clarification on his patently false statement on Panchayati Institutions in Darjeeling.

Why is he adamant to have either the one or two-tier Panchayati System than the three-tier, which is more powerful and beneficial to the region. His position and by default the GNLF’s position points to the historicity of their ideology. They signed the tripartite agreement for the creation of DGHC. It was no bigger in scope and functioning than the Zilla Parishad, the highest tier of the three-tier system. DGHC being equivalent to Zilla Parishad, they did not want another system in place that could undermine the authority and monopoly of DGHC. On page 2 of the letter submitted to the MP, the GNLF states that “Article 243 M (3) was incorporated into the Indian Constitution in the year 1992 as per thev73rd Constitutional Amendment Act with the view to enable the erstwhile DGHC”. Are you than insisting that no amendment should take place to Article 243 M (3) to preserve the legacy of DGHC and the ‘achievement’ of Late Shri Subash Ghising at the cost of people’s well being and aspirations? If this is not true then why did you not consider adhering to the 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Constitution that was hailed as revolutionary with regards to local self-governance? Part IX of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act states “provides for a 3 tier Panchayat system, which would be constituted in every state at the village level, intermediate level, and district level.”

When the Act says three-tier, why did you choose and still insist on one or two-tier Panchayati system? It would be good that GNLF understands and accept that DGHC is repealed and look forward to the creation of Gorkhaland rather than becoming victims of their self created myths and nostalgia.

Further, the letter submitted by GNLF to the MP says “that the incorporation of Article 243 M(3) in the Constitution finds its basis on various important government documents and records relating to the administration of Scheduled and Tribal Areas which hitherto existed as Partially Excluded and Excluded Area respectively under British rule.” If you say this is important then why did GNLF not force or negotiate with the governments at the Centre and State to implement The Provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, Clause 4(a) of which states “a state legislation on the Panchayats that may be made shall be in consonance with customary law, social and religious practices and traditional management practices of community resources”. If GNLF had done this today it would have been easier to achieve Gorkhaland. But this would put the state in a disadvantageous position, therefore, the lack of agency on the part of GNLF.

Another pertinent question to GNLF and their spokesperson is that during the 1986 agitation the focus was the inclusion of Siliguri in and its importance for the state of Gorkhaland, but why did Subash Ghising choose to leave it outside the purview of DGHC? By agreeing to the one-tier system, Siliguri permanently was lost. When the time has come to rectify this mistake why are they making misplaced statements?

Another interesting fact is that, that Mr Zimba in one of his recent interviews says permanent political solution also means implementing sixth scheduled status to Darjeeling. But isn’t our goal to be separated from Bengal? Does the sixth schedule ensure our separation from Bengal? Let me tell the GNLF that on 25 November 2007, Buddhadev Bhattacharya, the then Chief Minister said: “if the Sixth Schedule is extended to the hill areas of Darjeeling, then, it will become a part of West Bengal forever.” Does Mr Zimba want to be part of West Bengal forever? I am sure he doesn’t. One of Bharatiya Gorkha Parishang’s publication notes that Sixth Schedule was thought off for the purpose of ending the demand of the people of Darjeeling and that Sixth Schedule was no different than DGHC in the exercise of functions and powers. So why is GNLF making so much noise regarding the credibility of the Sixth Schedule?

One tier Panchayati System in Darjeeling, Siliguri not being part of us, and the Sixth Schedule Status only helps the state of Bengal in strengthening it’s strangled hold over Gorkhaland. Why is Mr Zimba arguing in favour of arrangements that help the State and is clearly against Gorkhas and Gorkhaland?

There are many questions to ask. However, it is pertinent to understand that in the absence of Bimal Gurung, political actors are trying to make themselves relevant in the Hills, Tarai and Dooars. But we can clearly see that, in the present situation, these actors cannot act against and without the benevolence of the Bengal government.

The post GNLF Stand Against Grassroots Democracy is Baffling appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

As an exemplary model of devolution of power to the grass-root level, the Panchayat Raj system in the country came into force, after many years of deliberations through various commissions, by the 73rd constitutional amendment in 1992. However, such an ideal model of self-governance has found no takers in the Darjeeling Hills after the dissolution of Zilla Parishad in the immediate aftermath of DGHC Accord of 1988.

The formation of DGHC under state act has replaced the Zilla Parishad which could have constitutional benefits of Panchayat Raj system and ironically transferring the constitutional privileges to much smaller Siliguri subdivision that continues to enjoy the benefits of a full-fledged district to this day.

Did Subash Ghising do wise thing by foregoing the constitutional power of panchayat system, handing it over to Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad, and remain content at the mercy of state government for development funds? Was he correct in challenging the constitutionality of GTA, when he himself had traded the constitutional panchayat system with Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad? Was he so obsessed with the power of the newfound council that he underestimated the constitutional benefits of the Panchayat system, or felt insecure of erosion of the power of his council, the view that some section of the population subscribes to?

Even today many of his party activists say GTA is unconstitutional but DGHC is constitutional, when both the bodies were set up under the state act. The incorporation of art 243m3(a) in the constitution of the country merely says that “nothing in this part relating to Panchayat at the district level shall apply to the hill areas of Darjeeling district in West Bengal for which DGHC exists under any law for the time being in force.” It is more a clause of an exception than the inclusion of Darjeeling Hills in the constitution in the manner we pretend to accept.

How does this clause of exception become the “kipat” or homeland of the Indian Gorkhas, how does it confer the “Khaitan” or title deed to the Darjeeling Gorkhas when more than 80% of Darjeeling Hills population do not possess the land rights that have real practical value in governance. For that matter, can anyone approach bank quoting the article 243m(3) to obtain loans saying it is our security?

In a letter dated 24 Nov 19 addressed to Mr Raju Bista, MP, President of GNLF party, Mr Maan Ghishing had stressed the importance of preserving 243m(3), saying amending it would snatch the power of local development agency that is at par with the power given to scheduled areas and tribal areas, he also highlighted the fact that article 243m(3) bestows recognition of the historical background and provides special protective shield to Darjeeling, all bearing the hallmarks of Mr Neeraj Zimba’s utopian concept, an incumbent BJP MLA from Darjeeling. Now it is anybody’s guess to understand the power bestowed to the local development agency by this article, actually, it is antithetical since it deprives the constitutional rights of local self-governance to the hill populace. Hence the massive outrage against the council for having miserably failed in fulfilling the aspirations of hill people, against the cub which could never grow up to become a mature fierce tiger that late Ghising had once hoped for. After all, the mother of the cub was state government and not the union government.

So why did the cub die?

Mr Ghishing played identity politics well but ignored the economics, for man does not live by bread alone and the blurred identity given by the DGHC is no staple diet. DGHC was at the mercy of state and centre for funds, when the Panchayat system could have got from the Consolidated Fund of India and Finance Commission as constitutional privileges. Economics is very important in politics, still, roti kapda makaan form the basis of our underdeveloped society. So this article 243m(3) simply acted as a shield against the constitutional source of funds, making the council begging bowl of the proud Hill Gorkhas who have to run around Delhi and Kolkata for funds, thereby perpetuating their dominance over hills.

Apart from MNREGA, old pension schemes and Housing schemes, hill people have not tasted the fruits of the Panchayat system. People should inquire about the funds, rural development schemes implemented in the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad areas and compare with the hill areas to arrive at the clear picture of the benefits of the Panchayat system. No wonder, the union government has made rules under the Panchayat Extension to the Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 to extend the constitutional benefits of Panchayat system to the scheduled areas too, and here we have leaders who glorify the pseudo scheduled areas under article 243m(3) as a figment of their imagination.

Again with the repealing of DGHC by the GTA Act of 2011, the article 243m(3) should have been amended at the time of commencement of GTA Act only, since GTA tripartite agreement had a clause of conducting three-tier panchayat election in the Darjeeling Hills. Article 243m(3) says only about the exception that panchayat is inapplicable in DGHC area as is the case in Manipur where district council exists. For all intent and purposes, it is supposed to not interfere with the powers and functions of these councils where they exist else their raison detre would be nullified. On the same ground, panchayat is not extended to scheduled areas and tribal areas which are governed under Fifth and Sixth schedule. However, the enactment of the PESA Act, 1996 has begun to apply the panchayat system with modifications in those areas. Now to presume on a negative connotation that this clause of exception lends constitutional validity to DGHC is illogical and delusional.

Actually Gandhiji’s vision of giving power to village people to rule themselves was a masterstroke in addressing the governance issues in complex Indian federalism. As regards the question of identity, it requires serious deliberations that would involve all stakeholders, in the light of political dynamics that exist between the state and centre for we have a government at the centre who puts the nation first. All the hills political parties, civil societies, organisations should work out to give a new shape to the existing council in the light of amendment of anti-development article 243m(3) and dovetailed to this could the permanent political solution might appear in the politically chronic troubled Darjeeling Hills.

Writes: Saakal Ulysses Dewan

The post The Curious Case of Article 243m(3): Raju Proposes, Neeraj Disposes appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Article 243M (3) reads, “Nothing in this Part

1. Relating to Panchayats at the district level shall apply to the hill areas of the District of Darjeeling in the State of West Bengal for which Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council exists under any law for the time being in force;
2. Shall be construed to affect the functions and powers of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council constituted under such law.”

Because of this, no elections to the Panchayats were held in the region. In 2001 however, the then West Bengal government conducted a 1-tier Panchayat Election, whose tenure ended in 2005. Ever since no elections to Gram Panchayats have been held thereby depriving the people of various grassroots level development initiatives.”

MP Raju Bista said, “as long as Article 243M (3) of the Constitution remains unchanged, no Panchayat elections will be held in our region. This is why I have requested Hon’ble Minister to kindly bring in a Constitutional Amendment which will repeal Article 243M (3) of the Constitution so that our people who have been deprived of availing the benefits of grassroots governance for so long could benefit from the 3-tier Panchayat system.”

The post “Bring in Constitutional Amendment – Pave Way for 3-Tier Panchayat in the Region” – MP Raju Bista appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

I don’t know how others take it but I have to confess, my long-held notion was proven wrong. Turns out she has a heart and she feels, after all. Who would’ve guessed?

The Bhoomiputra Narrative

In fact, the CM Mamata Banerjee was so very convinced that her choice of a ‘bhoomiputra‘ candidate was a ‘masterstroke’ which would see TMC flag fly high in the hills, she made it TMC’s main plan for 2019 general elections in the restive Darjeeling region.

From what I know, she was led to believe that choice of that particular candidate with the son-of-the-soil narrative would be a ‘masterstroke’ by the same group of people, who would earlier whisper in the ears of former GTA chief Bimal Gurung.

Preparations for bringing the ‘bhoomiputra‘ narrative to centre stage had begun much before the announcement of elections. There was a considerable push by ‘bhoomiputra and bhoomiputri’ Facebook activists to demand a ‘local’ candidate. Some had even started to object to the very name ‘Gorkhaland’ as the bane for our aspired new state. They had turned so local that they would argue online ‘Gorkhaland is not local enough.’

Long story short, with the declaration of Amar Singh Rai as the TMC candidate, this entire ‘bhoomiputra’ narrative many had tried to push online, finally added up.

But wait, there were Saman Pathak and Shankar Malakar, Nirode Adhikari and Bharat Dong, and numerous others. In fact, 14 out of 16 candidates in the fray were ‘Bhoomiputras‘. There were so many local son-of-the-soil candidates that Times of India published an article titled “Bhoomiputra Glut in Darjeeling” thus bringing to context what a colossal failure that narrative was.

Failed narrative – deep hurts

Indeed, come counting day, a Gorkha lad from Manipur Raju Bista won with a record margin of over 4.13 lakh votes. The highest in West Bengal. It was a thumping rejection of TMC and their ‘son-of-the-soil’ narrative. For the next five months, Banerjee hadn’t bothered to comment on the spectacular loss. But all that changed yesterday when in the middle of an administrative review meeting, she ended up blurting out, “I am sorry to say this… I should not utter these words in an administrative meeting but I feel sad when a son-of-the-soil, Amarnathji (referring to Amar Singh Rai, the Trinamool candidate), does not get votes, but an outsider spends a lot of money and gets the support.”

The reason why I feel she has a living heart was when she said, “If you don’t like me, don’t give me votes, but give your vote to a local person.” After all these years of living in denial, she seems to have finally realized that people in Darjeeling don’t like her.

What a realisation to come to, for a politician, who has always claimed “pahar hasche” loudly and boldly to all her voters in south Bengal.

She then trained her ire on the heads of so called “Development Board – caste specific NGOs Mamata had formed to lure in votes for TMC”. She declared, “We will conduct an audit on the funds given to development boards, the houses that have been completed, those unfinished and whether the funds have been properly utilised, after which we will review the development boards.”

From the very first Lepcha Development Board to the latest Siliguri Terai Dooars Development Authority (Gorkha Community) Banerjee has spent over Rs 200 crore of taxpayers’ money in the past five years, funnelled through over 17 caste-specific ‘Development Boards’ in the hope of winning over support and votes of the hill people. Those who head these boards had her convinced for long that they are the best representatives of their caste, and they will be able to bring in all the votes she desires.

Well! that didn’t happen, and it won’t ever.

Mamata Darjeeling – Conning the con

In simplest of terms, Mamata Banerjee got conned by Darjeeling con artists.

Her ambition and her desire to see the hill unity destroyed so that she could plant the TMC flag from the hills to the sea got the better of her, and she permitted smooth political opportunists and plain con artists to make a fool out of her. They led her to believe that it was through them, she would enter the hearts and minds of the hill people.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact that both Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa lost from their own polling booths in which they vote, shows how disliked these people are. Yet, Banerjee chose to support them with funds, power and administrative support. Despite the fact, none of the Development Board people has actual support of sympathy of the caste-specific communities they claim to represent, Banerjee has permitted corruption and nepotism by wasting crores of rupees in the hopes of winning votes.

But time has come for her to reflect, this can’t go on forever. These con artists and opportunists will be the first to dump her, the moment they realise she won’t remain in power anymore.

Connect, don’t disrespect public mandate

If I was Mamata Banerjee, I would begin by reflecting on the reason why I lost. TMC didn’t lose because they didn’t try, they lost because they tried too hard.

The hill people are a very easy-going lot, we don’t want “Darjeeling to be turned into Switzerland” what we want is basic functional infrastructure – good roads, good hospitals and health care, good schools, good colleges and a Central University. But Banerjee hasn’t bothered with that, she won’t either.

We want employment opportunities for our youths in Darjeeling. But Mamata Banerjee hasn’t bothered with that, she won’t either. In fact, yesterday, when her favourite these days Anit Thapa tried to remind her of abysmal employment scenario in the hills she responded with, “Let the hills settle down first.”

We want police atrocities to stop, we want threat intimidation and violence to end, and we want democracy to prevail. But Mamata is not allowing that to happen in Darjeeling, as she has obviously placed her ego above people’s democratic rights.

We don’t want unwanted political agents imposed on us as administrators, we want you, madam, to sit down with our elected representatives to find a permanent political solution.

We do not want your money, your power or posts – we want dignity, respect and right to determine our fate and future.

We do not want you second-guessing our choice of an elected representative, we know who we have elected and why.

We don’t give two hoots about your “son-of-the-soil”, what we want is “soil-for-the-sons-and-daughters” – a state of our own, and unless you can agree to that, we will take our chances with an “outsider” in whose vines the same blood flows as ours, as opposed to an “insider” who is your stooge.

This article was originally published here.

The post Questioning Darjeeling’s choice of MP – Mamata Reveals her Wounds appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

According to sources, MP Raju Bista was on his way to Sinji Primary School, which is incidentally celebrating its Golden Jubilee. MP Bista was expected to inaugurate a new school building there.

In a Press release, MP Raju Bista has said, “Today, while I was on my way to Sinji in Kalimpong, to inaugurate Sinji Primary School, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee, there was an attempt on my life.”

According to Raju Bista they were attacked by a group of 80-100 goons allegedly belonging to TMC on reaching Mandir Khola, Char Pul. Bista has claimed the attackers were drunk.

He added, “Initially they were shouting slogans, which quickly turned into a physical attack accompanied by Khukuri, knife, other sharp weapons and heavy stone pelting on our supporters and myself. Many of our BJP party workers and our alliance partner GJM party workers have been injured in the attack, who were sitting duck against a well-organized ambush. My private security officer was stuck on chest and upper body following his attempt to cover me from the oncoming barrage of blows and stones thrown at me. My Personal Security Officer was also injured when stones pelted on us hit his legs.”

Blaming West Bengal police, Raju Bista has said, “This attack wouldn’t have been possible without the tactical support of West Bengal Police. Having received the information about pre-planned attack by hired goons brought in from outside that could take place today, I had called Kalimpong Superintendent of Police SP Yadav last night, and appraised him of the security threat that I faced owing to this organized hooliganism. I had asked West Bengal Home Secretary and West Bengal Director General of Police to instruct Kalimpong Police to provide adequate security so that no untoward incident takes place today, and I am not stopped from performing my Parliamentary duties. I was assured that everything was normal, and that I had no reason to worry about my security or the security of people around me. However, my security arrangements were inadequate and there was an attempt on my life, in which my security officers, GJM and BJP party workers have been injured.”

On September 11th, 2019 too, the convoy of Raju Bista had come under attack on their way to Singla via Patlebas-Tukvar valley.

Earlier in the day, supporters of Anit Thapa and Binay Tamang had gathered in Sinji and were seen burning effigy and chanting slogans against Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

Bista has decried the attack and has vowed to fight back, he said, “Democracy for all intent and purpose in dead in West Bengal. BUT I refused to be cowered, I refuse to give in to the bully tactics of TMC. I avow to get this glorious land of Dal Bahadur Giri, Ari Bahadur Gurung, Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, Swamy Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore rid of this undemocratic, dictatorial and murderous TMC party.”

The post JUST IN: Attack on Darjeeling MP Raju Bista Near Kalimpong appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.