Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong, January 05:

After the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) elections are all said and done in the hills, the people now eagerly await the 3 tier Panchayat elections, whose dates are yet to be fixed. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) who is constantly demanding the inclusion of Terai- Dooars under GTA is now being blamed for being against the Panchayat elections.

The Morcha Spokesperson, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri today clarifying the same said that the GJM is not against the election. He said that until now none of the works are being done or completed properly.

“Handing over of departments to the GTA is not happening as per the GTA norms. Rangpo committee meeting is being held. Discussions for including Terai Dooars are going on. And Panchayat elections add to this list of issues. At least let one work to get completed properly”, said Dr Chettri.

For the shifting of some departments in GTA on 60% recommendations have been done, rest are still to be accomplished.

“To bring all the departments under GTA is the first priority”, said the Morcha Spokesperson who is also the Kalimpong MLA and added that some mistakes have been occurred before which the Morcha does not want to repeat.

 “The GTA needs to be made firm. One responsibility needs to be fulfilled at first”, said Dr Chettri.

He also notified that the Panchayat elections which are to be conducted in Terai- Dooars are being done by the government which cannot be cancelled by the Morcha or the GTA.

When asked why the Morcha is eager to partake in the Panchayat elections at Terai- Dooars, the Spokesperson said, “Time has come for the GJM and the Gorkhas to show their zeal which they have already showcased in the hills. It is time that the Gorkhas make the demand of including Terai- Dooars under GTA more firm”.

He further stressed that the Gorkha people should not wander to other places and weaken the motherland. Appealing the people not to vouch for other political parties, Dr Chettri said that this way the people will be making themselves weak.

Likewise, commenting over the Telengana matter, which seems on its way towards fulfillment at the moment, the Spokesperson said that Telengana movement is inspired by Gorkhaland revolution.

“To grant Telengana in one hand and say no to Gorkhaland in other is totally up to the government. However, it will showcase the two faces of the government. If it happens, the Morcha will definitely question”, concluded Dr Chettri.