Darjeeling district- BJP’s only constituency in W.Bengal and they won just by changing their manifesto. Darjeeling is also termed as ‘queen of hills’ but people are deprived of basic infrastructural needs. Road, electricity, water to name a few echoes the mood of a common man, demanding for uncompromising change. “This is the fight for our identity, for our land. Men, women and children will participate in this fight and we will win Gorkhaland”- this is their anthem and GJM has been able to engage the fearless young men and women. The issue of Gorkha vs Nepali has its root to 1950’s, when Indian Govt. with Nepal signed an accordance instigating the further debate on Indian Gorkha’s and Nepalese from Nepal. Significant support from the people of Darjeeling and adjoining areas seeking respect for their contribution in freedom struggle and also being faithful soldiers under British era gave the rise to GNLF party headed by Subhash Ghishing.
The initial demand for a different state got diluted as West Bengal government was not supportive of the idea and nor the central. Autonomous hill council was seen as the reward by GNLF party and also convinced citizens to live with it. In all these diplomatic ties, Darjeeling was losing ground to uplift its people on development front and also creating a divide within its own strong party. They were often criticized being sold at the hands of communists and not being strong on the demand of the state. Over a lakh population had already faced brutal attack by army in 80’s and someone had to propagate on the relentless sacrifice and create a political party. Bimal Gurung, considered a close aide of GNLF emerged engaging people on the same issue- the statehood and GJM was formed. Over the last 2 years areas under Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri district have suffered business loss due to regular strikes hurting people from all communities. When hunger strikes, the divide becomes deep, even non CPI-M supporters united to fight with the outrageous GJM policy on frequent strikes. The need that originated from the hills spread to the plains, it is no longer a gorkha community issue now. West Bengal government in Kolkata, CPI-M leaders at the ground level, GJM’s have used propaganda for internal fights. The only winner seems to be the political parties and everyday issues are not respected.
GNLF has lost its ground completely; Subhash Ghishing was forced to leave his residence in Darjeeling. People gave their verdict on his party’s ineffectiveness but it seems the statehood is a distant dream. BJP supported to look into the matters of Gorkha’s and thus emerged winning the constituency by massive margin. Jaswant Singh comments- I was born in a desert but this will be my karmabhoomi. It’s a political victory for GJM to tie up with a national party but with such dismal performance of BJP at the center and Congress openly against dividing West Bengal, it is an arduous journey of an adventurous dream. It is also to be seen the ratio of ST and General and the number doesn’t seem to be encouraging for GJM. With delayed monsoon at the corner and the end of tourists’ period, people are waiting for the plan of action. Let’s hope the debate takes place in the parliament and not on the streets.
The initial demand for a different state got diluted as West Bengal government was not supportive of the idea and nor the central. Autonomous hill council was seen as the reward by GNLF party and also convinced citizens to live with it. In all these diplomatic ties, Darjeeling was losing ground to uplift its people on development front and also creating a divide within its own strong party. They were often criticized being sold at the hands of communists and not being strong on the demand of the state. Over a lakh population had already faced brutal attack by army in 80’s and someone had to propagate on the relentless sacrifice and create a political party. Bimal Gurung, considered a close aide of GNLF emerged engaging people on the same issue- the statehood and GJM was formed. Over the last 2 years areas under Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri district have suffered business loss due to regular strikes hurting people from all communities. When hunger strikes, the divide becomes deep, even non CPI-M supporters united to fight with the outrageous GJM policy on frequent strikes. The need that originated from the hills spread to the plains, it is no longer a gorkha community issue now. West Bengal government in Kolkata, CPI-M leaders at the ground level, GJM’s have used propaganda for internal fights. The only winner seems to be the political parties and everyday issues are not respected.
GNLF has lost its ground completely; Subhash Ghishing was forced to leave his residence in Darjeeling. People gave their verdict on his party’s ineffectiveness but it seems the statehood is a distant dream. BJP supported to look into the matters of Gorkha’s and thus emerged winning the constituency by massive margin. Jaswant Singh comments- I was born in a desert but this will be my karmabhoomi. It’s a political victory for GJM to tie up with a national party but with such dismal performance of BJP at the center and Congress openly against dividing West Bengal, it is an arduous journey of an adventurous dream. It is also to be seen the ratio of ST and General and the number doesn’t seem to be encouraging for GJM. With delayed monsoon at the corner and the end of tourists’ period, people are waiting for the plan of action. Let’s hope the debate takes place in the parliament and not on the streets.
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