Upendra M Pradhan

Freebies

Upendra June 18, 2026

Freebies and Financial Mess – The Cost of Populism

With the BJP Government coming to power, there was hope that they would be more fiscally responsible, and they may be after six months in power. But as of today, they too seem to be eager to continuing down a similar path of unsustainable populism. The various freebies announced by the BJP party pre-poll and their post-poll execution will significantly strain the state exchequer.

For the BJP government to succeed where CPIM and TMC have failed, it must take hard decisions and channelize these unproductive capital into productive avenues. The people of West Bengal do not want freebies, they would rather the government invested in infrastructure, skill development, developing industries, provisioning better schools, colleges and university level education, and sustainable rural and urban growth that would generate genuine jobs and revenue.

Foreigner

Editorial, Upendra November 15, 2025

“FOREIGNER” – The tag that hounds Gorkhas (and Sikkimese Nepalis)

Those who have followed my writings over the years, will know, I will be the last person to defend Anit Thapa. However, have 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 ground to stand on.

They should reflect 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 Dam

Upendra October 6, 2023

The Dam and The Damned

Teesta has massive siltation level, thus it is certain that the siltation level of the river will raise staggeringly with the construction of a series of dams and the sediment load will be trapped within the reservoirs, reducing their production capacity. This, in turn, could compel dam managers to release water during heavy rainfall, causing sudden flash floods downstream. Further, the NHPC has failed to undertake the study on the cascading effects of Dams (i.e. in case of dam breaking at the top what will happen to subsequent dams), which is likely to occur in coming days.

Ajit Doval

Upendra July 4, 2022

Ajit Doval – An Open Letter to the National Security Advisor

We know Sir, you must have multiple agenda and issues to deal with nationally, so I felt I will help you with avoiding some issues, while you relax with your family here, and perhaps meet with politicians who have won the recent elections and ink a few deals on “Political Solution” (fact that Mamata Banerjee hasn’t said a word against your presence here is a dead give-away).

Current State of Affairs

Upendra September 19, 2020

CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS – No one is to be blamed

In “Wai Wai” we trust – that’s the state of journalism in our hills.
In “Syria” we outrage – that’s the state of writers, poets, intelligentsia in our hills.
In “Social-media revolution” we believe – that’s the state of activism in our hills.
In “Finding political relevance” we strive for – that’s the state of academia in our hills.
In “Silence” we dwell – that’s the state of rebellion in our hills

We will vocally decry those who we believe are worthy of our self-righteous scorn, but don’t bother us to speak out against the tyrannical state and the current state of affairs.

Presidents Rule in Bengal

Upendra February 4, 2019

President’s Rule in Bengal – Possibilities and Implications

As tempting as it might be for the Center to implement President’s rule, they will in all likelihood wait out for this storm to pass, much like how they waited for Gorkhaland agitation to simmer down. As far as BJP central leadership is concerned, they seem to be in mood to give Mamata any toe hold.

Subash Ghising Darjeeling Gorkhaland Upendra

Global, Local, National, Regional January 29, 2019

SUBASH GHISING: The Man, The Legacy, The Legend

“बाँस छ र नै मने छ… मने छ र नै बाँस… धन्न बाँस छ र मने बाँसुरी बजाउँदै हिड्छ… नत्र मने कसैको खुट्टा को काङ्ग्लिङ्ग…

Destination Darjeeling Sikkim

Upendra January 25, 2019

NATIONAL TOURISM DAY – Promoting Destination Darjeeling and Sikkim

Darjeeling and Sikkim stand out, not only due to our scenic beauty, but also due to our culture and food, and the safety and security of the tourists. Darjeeling has been rated among the top 5 most secure destinations in the world for single female travellers, making ours the most exciting tourist destination in all of South Asia.