Bhaichung Bhutia Treated like outsider in TMC

1:17 PM

•

West Bengal

RAJEEV RAVIDAS-Telegraph

Gangtok: Former Indian soccer star Bhaichung Bhutia has broken his silence on his resignation from Trinamul last month, accusing a section of party leaders of treating him like an "outsider" while signalling a political career in home state Sikkim.

"Since I was an outsider (in Bengal), I was opposed not just by the public but even by people in my own party," Bhaichung told The Telegraph on Wednesday, weeks after he had announced his resignation through a tweet.

Trinamul leaders declined comment but sources in the party claimed Bhaichung was trying to cosy up to the BJP to start his innings in Sikkim, where he is now on a Yuva Yatra (youth march) with some friends "to understand the ground reality".

"All that we get to hear is not reflected on the ground. There are good and bad things happening. We want to see the place, meet people and know the reality," Bhaichung said. Bhaichung said he would take a call on formally joining Sikkim politics before Assembly elections that would coincide with Lok Sabha polls next year. But options are limited for Bhaichung in his home state, where the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front is a member of the North-East Democratic Alliance, formed as a part of the BJP's "Congress-Mukt Northeast".

"People like Bhaichung, who make lateral entry into politics, normally join the ruling party... It is sad that he is complaining about Trinamul. The party gave him a lot of respect," said a Trinamul leader.

Trinamul nominated Bhaichung from the Darjeeling parliamentary seat in 2014 but he lost to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-backed BJP candidate S.S. Ahluwalia. Mamata Banerjee fielded him against CPM veteran Asok Bhattacharya in Siliguri in the 2016 Assembly polls, but he lost. Later, In June 2016, Bhaichung was made chairman of the North Bengal Board for Development of Sports.

"Bhaichung, was not very visible in Siliguri since the end of 2016. Finally, in February this year, he walked out of the party," said a Trinamul source.

On Wednesday, Bhaichung said "the lessons he learnt in Bengal" would hold him in good stead. Unlike in Bengal, where he was "thrown down from the top", he said he would work his way up from the bottom in his home state.

READ MORE

Bhaichung Bhutia inaugurates sports development office for north Bengal, push for cricket

11:21 AM

•

sports news

Baichung inaugurates sports development office for north Bengal

Writes Prashant Acharya for EOI
SILIGURI 4 Jul 2016 Former footballer Baichung Bhutia today inaugurated the office of the North Bengal Board for Development of Sports and Games (NBBDSG) at the Kanchenjunga Stadium for the all-round development of games and sports in the region.

"The board will work for the development of sports and games in the seven district of north Bengal. Besides promoting football and other games, the board is working hard to bring IPL cricket league to Siliguri. But as the existing size of the stadium is small, we are planning to develop the infrastructure with the support of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). I have already discussed the matter with CAB president Sourav Ganguly. The names of the board members have not been announced yet; hence work and necessary procedures will start after the formation of the board," he informed.

When he contested the state Assembly polls as a candidate from Siliguri, Baichung had said his main focus would be to develop sports and games in the region. He had said, "I will change the entire picture of Siliguri within a year and promote sports and games, especially football, by developing a number of training centres."

Bhaichung Bhutia

The decision to open an office was after an announcement by chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her recent visit in Siliguri. She had announced the names of Baichung as chairman, table tennis player Mantu Ghosh as vice-chairman and GNLF chief Mann Ghisingh as board member. However, Ghosh and Ghisingh were not present at the inaugural function.

On the other news article published on Telegraph, Bhaichung push for cricket - Bhaichung Bhutia, the chairman of North Bengal Board for Development of Sports and Games, today said he would speak to Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, on holding IPL matches at the Kanchenjungha Stadium here.

Bhutia, who inaugurated the sports board's office at the stadium today, also said he would try to bring Indian Super League football matches to the ground.

"I will talk to Sourav Ganguly so that we can get IPL cricket matches at Kanchenjungha stadium. We have a good stadium that can host big cricket and football matches," said Bhutia.

Sources said the former national soccer team captain had already spoken to the president of the CAB in this regard.

"Ganguly has suggested that the existing infrastructure of the stadium be upgraded as the size of the ground is not big enough to host IPL matches," said a source.

However, the All India Football Federation has already marked the stadium as one where only soccer matches could be hosted. 

READ MORE

Bhaichung might become Darjeeling District TMC president

11:11 AM

•

TMC

Siliguri, June 17: Mamata Banerjee is likely to announce the new president of the Darjeeling Trinamul district committee in Calcutta tomorrow and ex-footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and Pratul Chakraborty are being considered for the post, sources in the organisation said.

The chief minister, said the sources, wanted the replacement of Ranjan Sarkar, the current president of the party in Darjeeling, as Trinamul had failed in three consecutive elections in the district in one year. The defeat of Trinamul in the Siliguri municipal and mahakuma parishad polls and the Assembly elections has been attributed to factionalism in the party.

"Tomorrow, a meeting has been convened by the party at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Calcutta where leaders from different districts will be present. Our party chief Mamata Banerjee and other frontline leaders will be at the meeting. We can almost confirm that the name of the new Darjeeling district president will be announced tomorrow. The names of Bhaichung Bhutia and Pratul Chakraborty are making the rounds," a Siliguri Trinamul leader, who didn't want to be named, said over the phone from Calcutta today.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee with former
 Soccer star Baichung Bhutia - file photo

Another senior leader said Bhaichung might be made the working president of Trinamul in the district. "Bhaichung has never made it to district and state committees. There is a chance that Pratul Chakraborty will be the new president, while Bhaichung will be made the working president of Darjeeling district. It can be an effective arrangement as Bhaichung can try to bring all lobbies in the party together and end factionalism, while Pratulda, who has good acceptability, can monitor from the top," said the leader.

There are also speculations that Bhaichung will be appointed as the chairman of the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority.

Bhaichung had lost to the CPM's Asok Bhattacharya in Siliguri in the Assembly polls. Chakraborty had held the post of the district president before Gautam Deb.

Following the debacle Trinamul faced in the municipal and mahakuma parishad polls last year, minister Gautam Deb was removed as the Trinamul district chief in November. He was replaced with Sarkar, who was the district Trinamul Youth president then.

But even after Sarkar, who is also a municipal councillor in Siliguri, became the president, Trinamul couldn't win any of the six Assembly seats in the district.

"Mamata is completely disappointed over the performance of district leaders who are busy fighting among themselves. It is because of infighting that Gautam Deb was not allowed to contest the Siliguri civic polls in 2015. There is no chance that Mamata or any other state leader will seek opinion from the Darjeeling district leaders before finalising the name of the district president," said a Trinamul insider.

Telegraph

READ MORE

How 'coach' Mamata has made it tough for Bhaichung Bhutia to score a goal

9:25 AM

•

TMC

Writes: Priyata Brajabasi [for Catch News]

Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia is fighting on a Trinamool Congress ticket in the on-going West Bengal Assembly elections from Siliguri. The football icon is taking on veteran CPI(M) leader Ashok Bhattarcharya who is four-time MLA from the same constituency and is currently the mayor of Siliguri.

The Sikkimese player is a popular candidate who is contesting from West Bengal for the second time, the first time being from Darjeeling in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections where he lost to BJP's SS Ahluwalia by 196,795 votes.

His immense popularity in Bengal may not be enough to earn him an assembly seat from the constituency. The party’s decision to field him from Siliguri was a surprise for many including Bhaichung himself.

In a conversation with Catch in Siliguri Bhaichung said, “When I have decided to join the TMC, I have to listen to the head of the party. It’s the leader that decides who should contest and from where. In football too the coach decides where I play, when I play and whether I am fit enough to play. I may or may not be happy about the decision but I have to listen to the leader. Didi wanted me to fight from Siliguri. But it’s not like I was dying to contest from here.”

Ashok Bhattarcharya

Many feel Mamata Banerjee’s decision is almost a free pass for the CPI(M) in the area. Political commentator Partha Pratim Biswas feels this was a bad decision on Mamata’s part. “We love Bhaichung Bhutia, the footballer, but we don’t think that he is experienced enough as a politician, especially in front of Ashok Bhattarcharya who has won from Siliguri multiple times. He should have contested from an area where this opponent wasn’t as experienced or well liked.”

CPI(M) heavyweight Ashok Bhattarcharya is very confident about his chances of winning. Speaking to Catch News in Siliguri he said, “Bhaichung was a very good footballer but he is not a very good politician. He doesn’t know Siliguri or its people and they do not know him either. If it were a clash between two footballers, he would have won. But it’s a political battle and I don’t think he has enough experience to win.”

However, Ashok Bhattarcharya was defeated in the previous assembly elections by TMC’s Rudra Nath Bhattacharya. “There was a TMC wave in 2011, people wanted a change. So I was defeated. But after seeing Mamata’s fascist rule in the state and the various corruption charges against TMC, they will see the Left as a better bet”.

What works in Bhaichung's favour
However, Bhaichung’s potential as a youth leader cannot be written off.

Shyam Roy, an engineering student in North Bengal University feels that Bhaichung Bhutia is exactly what Siliguri needs. “Siliguri has immense potential to be one of the biggest commercial cities in the state as well as the country. It can be a sports city as well given the sportsmen and sports enthusiasts in the region. Siliguri requires a leader with fresh and modern ideas. Bhaichung he can bring that to Siliguri, something other leaders cannot offer. He deserves a chance.”

Bhaichung’s decision to contest from West Bengal despite being a Sikkimese stems from his long association with the state. “I have lived in Kolkata for 25 years. I have played for Kolkata based clubs all my life. I left Sikkim when I was 15. I feel like I am from Bengal and people have accepted me as their own. This is why when I got an offer from Mamata Banerjee to contest from Darjeeling in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and now again, I accepted the opportunity.”

His association with TMC, he says, happened by chance. “I was always interested in politics even during my football days. I always thought I would join politics eventually but the timing was something I wasn’t too sure about. When Mamata Banerjee approached me, I was surprised but I took it up the challenge. Had I been approached by a party in Delhi or Sikkim or even Manipur I may have joined if I felt it was right”.

Gorkhaland question
As Siliguri comes under the Darjeeling district, the Gorkhaland issue is crucial here. The Gorkhali population in Siliguri is about 40%.

Bhutia is very categorical that he would be very happy if Gorkhaland is formed. This, in spite of the fact that Mamata Banerjee has clearly stated that she will not allow the division of the state.

“It is not as if the TMC candidates in the hills are against Gorkhaland. They have sacrificed their entire lives for the people of the hills and for Gorkhaland. But they have realised that development in the hills is more important than separation,” Bhutia said.

He further accused the BJP of double standards.
“People have realised that the party at the Centre is not on board; the BJP MP from Darjeeling hasn’t raised the issue of Gorkhaland in Parliament despite winning the seat on an appeal for Gorkhaland. It is not just Mamata or the state government that is against the movement, the Centre is as well,” Bhutia added.

Mamata Banerjee’s move to bring ex-GJM leader and sitting MLA Harkha Bahadur Chettri into the TMC fold has pushed the GJM and the Left parties closer. Ashok Bhattarcharya announced last month that the Left would not field candidates in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

While speaking to Catch News, Ashok Bhattarcharya said, “We are not supporting the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) nor are we seeking support from them. But both the Left and the GJM are fighting against TMC. We are weak in the hills, and we don't want division of anti-TMC votes. We will welcome anyone who defeats the TMC”

Left leaders have encouraged their supporters and workers in the hills to vote for the GJM without lending official support to the party. This means that the Left and the BJP, which is an ally of the GJM, are on the same side in the hills.

The Left Front however has openly opposed the GJM’s appeal for Gorkhaland.

Tough competition for Bhaichung
Despite being a celebrity candidate, Bhaichung has a difficult road ahead of him. “You think I achieved everything I did in football, easily? Nothing in life comes easy. Yes Ashok Bhattarcharya has won the seat 4 times and he has been a state minister too. It will be a tough fight but I think I am better prepared, certainly more than I was last time around. We are more organised. My chances seem good.”

Via: Catch News, Originally posted in: http://bit.ly/23qxdV2

READ MORE

Mamata to visit Siliguri again to campaign for Baichung

11:18 AM

•

TMC

Writes: PRASHANT ACHARYA

Siliguri, 24 Mar 2016: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee is slated to visit Siliguri on April 10 to launch a fresh campaign in support of Baichung Bhutia, the Trinamool Congress candidate from Siliguri.

Party sources said the TMC chief will put in every effort to outdo CPM candidate, Ashok Bhattacharya. The chief minister was in Siliguri only last week to participate in a rally from Darjeeling More to Hasmi Chowk in support of Baichung.

And according to Baichung, the TMC chief plans to campaign for him on April 10 and address a public gathering at the Suryanagar playground. It will be her first public meeting in Siliguri for the Assembly election.

Meanwhile, Baichung has started preparations of his own to make the April 10 meeting a success. He is working hard and campaigning from early in the mornings to late in the evenings in every corner of Siliguri. He says he is borrowing a page from football to his poll strategy and his coach, Mamata Banerjee, will provide every possible support to score a goal this time around.

Via: The Eco of India

READ MORE

Bhaichung Bhutia seeks transfer of 'voter id' to Kolkata from Sikkim

10:06 AM

•

Trinamool Congress

March 7: Former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, who has been fielded as the Trinamul Congress candidate in the Siliguri Assembly seat, today got his name deleted from the voters' list in Sikkim, and sought the transfer of his "voter ID" to Kasba constituency in Calcutta.

Yesterday, The Telegraph had reported that Bhaichung's name figures in the voters' list of his home state of Sikkim and not that of Bengal. This should have made him ineligible to contest the Assembly elections in Bengal, according to the Handbook of Candidates published by the Election Commission of India.

Polling in the Kasba Assembly seat will take place on April 30 and the footballer's name can be added to the voters' list there on March 11, Election Commission sources in Calcutta said.

The former soccer player today submitted a letter handwritten by himself to the chief electoral officer of Sikkim in Gangtok, seeking the deletion of his name from the voters' list of Barfung Assembly segment in South district.

Bhaichung Bhutia during the Trinamul meeting in
Siliguri on Monday. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

"This is to inform you that I am hereby surrendering my voter ID from Sanganath, Barfung Constituency, Sikkim. I am seeking to transfer my voter ID to 149, Kasba Constituency, Kolkata, West Bengal..." reads the application.

He has also mentioned in the application that "I would be grateful if you can kindly withdraw my name from the voter list in Sikkim".

A senior official in the chief electoral officer's office in Gangtok said: "Bhutia came to submit the letter this morning. We received the letter and forwarded it to the (South) district collector who is also the district electoral officer."

Later in the afternoon, Raj Yadav, the district collector of South Sikkim, informed that he had received the application and deleted Bhaichung's name from the voters' list. A confirmation letter has been sent to the office of the state election department, he said.

"Since the process of rectifying mistakes, addition and deletion of names in the electoral roll is going on, Bhaichung Bhutia's name was deleted from the list today itself," Raj said.


The Telegraph report published on March 6
Bhaichung had said he had transposed his name from Sikkim to Calcutta. Transposition refers to the deletion of a name from one voter list and its inclusion in another. This is a compulsory duty for every voter who has been staying at a different address for over six months.

"In the case of parliamentary elections, a candidate only needs to be an elector from any part of India. If he is, he can contest from any constituency," a poll official had said on Saturday. "But in the case of Assembly elections, the candidate has to be a voter from the state concerned. He can then contest from any Assembly constituency in the state."

Bhaichung, who spoke to the media in Siliguri this evening after a meeting of Trinamul, iterated that his name was on the voters' list of Bengal, but refused to share details.

However, the South Sikkim district collector today said: "If he intends to transpose or shift his name to any other Assembly constituency, an intimation from the district collector concerned, where he wants his name to be shifted, has to reach my office. However, till date, we have not received any such intimation. The deletion was made on the basis of the request made by Bhaichung Bhutia," said Yadav.

In Siliguri, the ex-player said: "My name has been included in the voters' list of Bengal. I would like to tell you that my name has been shifted to Bengal. I don't want to give details. At the same time, I would like to make one point, that it is about the party. It is about the Trinamul Congress. It is about Mamata Banerjee. Today, we are speaking of candidates... whether I remain a candidate or not, Gautamda (Gautam Deb) remains a candidate or not...there will be a candidate of the Trinamul Congress here. We have to work for the Trinamul Congress here and we believe workers will work for the party and Mamata Banerjee."

Telegraph

READ MORE

Bhaichung Bhutia ineligible to contest Assembly elections in Bengal

2:26 PM

•

West Bengal

Siliguri, March 5: Former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, announced as Trinamul candidate from the Siliguri Assembly seat yesterday, figures on the voter list of his home state of Sikkim and not that of Bengal.

This should make him ineligible to contest Assembly elections in Bengal, according to the Handbook of Candidates published by the Election Commission of India.

Bhaichung told this newspaper, during a phone conversation that got truncated midway, that he had got his name shifted from Sikkim's voter list to Bengal's but a scan of both did not bear this out.

If there's a mistake or tardiness somewhere, there's time till March 29 to rectify it.

"If you are a candidate for a general seat, that is to say, for a seat not reserved as aforesaid, then you must be an elector for any constituency in the state or Union territory," says the poll panel handbook, in a chapter titled "Qualifications for Election to a Legislative Assembly".

(The line appears in a section dealing only with general Assembly seats, hence the qualification. In the section dealing with reserved Assembly seats, the handbook cites the same requirement for a candidate - that of being a voter from the state concerned. Siliguri is a general seat, anyway.)

Bhaichung Bhutia ineligible to contest Assembly elections in Bengal

A senior official at the state chief electoral officer's office in Calcutta confirmed the rule, which means Bhaichung's candidature can be challenged.

"We know that Bhutia's name doesn't feature on the voter list in Bengal.... Asok Bhattacharya, our leader, will lodge a complaint," CPM state secretariat member Rabin Deb said.

Siliguri is the turf of Bhattacharya, a former urban development minister, and Mamata Banerjee had fielded Bhaichung to give the veteran CPM leader a tough fight.

Bhaichung had contested unsuccessfully from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"In the case of parliamentary elections, a candidate only needs to be an elector from any part of India. If he is, he can contest from any constituency," a poll official said. "But in the case of Assembly elections, the candidate has to be a voter from the state concerned. He can then contest from any Assembly constituency in the state."

Bhaichung said he had transposed his name from Sikkim to Calcutta. Transposition refers to the deletion of a name from one voter list and its inclusion in another. This is a compulsory duty for every voter who has been staying at a different address for over six months.

"It's true that I was a voter in Sikkim but I have changed it.... Now, I'm a voter of Calcutta," Bhaichung told this newspaper this afternoon before the line got disconnected. The former footballer did not take further calls or reply to text messages.

A search of the electoral rolls with his name did not corroborate his claim.

Bhaichung's general election affidavit of March 23, 2014, says: "My name is enrolled in 9-Barfung, Sikkim, at serial no. 121 in part no. 9."

The voter list prepared and updated by the Sikkim chief electoral officer and published on January 11 this year carries Bhaichung's name against the same serial number (121) and the same part no. (9) for 9-Barfung Assembly seat.

Every year, new electoral rolls are published in January across the country, bearing additions and deletions.

The list shows Bhaichung's voter card number, GKP-0062844, and those of his wife Madhuri Tipnis (serial no. 114, voter card number GKP0106344) and other family members, including his brothers.

The Telegraph entered Bhaichung's voter card number in the Sikkim chief electoral officer's search options - any voter can generate his voter slip by entering the voter card number. It displayed the same details as the voter list.

Under poll panel rules, a person's name cannot occur twice on the rolls. So, Bhaichung cannot be a voter in Bengal, however long he has been living in Calcutta, as long as his name appears on Sikkim's voter list.

A poll commission official, however, said there had been instances of a voter's name figuring on multiple voter lists because of human error.

"There can be another possibility: maybe Bhaichung has applied for transposition and it is a work in progress, as the electoral rolls are still being revised," the official said.

The last date for filing nominations for the Siliguri constituency, which votes on April 17, is March 29. "But if he has not yet applied for transposition, he'll be cutting it too fine," the official said.

Doubts have surfaced over another Trinamul candidate from north Bengal: James Kujur, the additional superintendent of police fielded from Kumargram in Alipurduar.

Akash Magharia, Jalpaiguri superintendent of police, today said he had not yet received any official communication on Kujur's resignation.

Kujur had claimed yesterday that he had tendered his resignation to Magharia. Police sources in Jalpaiguri said Kujur was likely to vacate his official residence tonight or tomorrow morning. "He has taken leave and gone home to Kalchini," a source said. "He is not using his official vehicle or other facilities but his belongings are still in the official bungalow."

Election Commission officials have clarified that there's no bar on Kujur contesting the polls provided he resigns from service.

"He should have resigned earlier to ensure that all his ties with the department are severed. If there's a delay, someone can allege that he still has links with the department, and we'll have to verify it," an official said.

Telegraph

READ MORE

TMC files Bhaichung Bhutia as its candidate in Siliguri Assembly seat

8:28 AM

•

TMC

Siliguri, March 4: The Trinamul Congress today announced former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia as its candidate in Siliguri Assembly seat, where the Left Front will field mayor Asok Bhattacharya in all likelihood.

Trinamul leaders feel the former Indian football captain cannot pose a challenge to Bhattacharya given the Left Front's victory in elections to the Siliguri Municipal Corporation last year.

The mayor said dropping the Siliguri sitting MLA, Rudranath Bhattacharya, from the list of candidates proved that Trinamul couldn't bank on the latter as his name had cropped up in the SJDA scam.

"It does not matter to us who the rival candidates are as we consider all of them as our rivals in elections. But the manner in which the sitting MLA has been replaced by a new candidate in Siliguri seat indicates that Trinamul cannot bank on Rudranath Bhattacharya, whose name was linked to the SJDA scam. Our allegation that he was involved in the scam has been virtually proved by Trinamul's decision," said the CPM leader.

Rudranath Bhattacharya was the chairman of the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority when around Rs 150 crore had been paid to private firms even before projects assigned to them were completed.

In the 2011 elections, Asok was defeated by Rudranath by a margin of 5,006 votes.

The decision to nominate Bhaichung to the Siliguri seat comprising 33 wards of the SMC has not gone down well with Darjeeling district Trinamul leaders.

"Bhaichung has a huge acceptance among people as a footballer. That is why he has been chosen to contest against Asok Bhattacharya, who is a heavy weight. But the decision would surely dampen the spirit of leaders and workers who are with the party throughout the year. Bhaichung is an occasional visitor and not a regular party worker. Rivals will seize on this aspect. The presence of Bhaichung in Siliguri vis-à-vis that of Bhattacharya is minimal and it would make our task tough," said a Trinamul leader who didn't want to be named.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Bhaichung had been fielded by Trinamul in Darjeeling and he was defeated by S.S. Ahluwalia of the BJP by 1,97,239 votes.

Bhaichung Bhutia
Another Trinamul leader noted that when Bhattacharya was a minister, Bhaichung had attended several programmes with him. "The player had shared the dais with the CPM leader and even appreciated his initiatives with regard to sports. When Bhaichung campaigns for the polls, we don't believe that he will be able to speak much against Bhattacharya. If the candidate is a local Trinamul leader, he will be in a better position to target Asok Bhattacharya. In short, unlike local Trinamul leaders, the footballer has no idea of the basic issues people face and shortcomings of the civic body headed by Bhattacharya," the Trinamul leader said on condition of anonymity.

Observers have said the mayor has an edge over the footballer, especially when the Left Front and the Congress are inching closer to an electoral understanding.

Trinamul insiders said intense lobbying had led to the candidature of the footballer in Siliguri. "It was the same reason that saw Rudranath Bhattacharya being fielded in Siliguri in the 2011 Assembly polls," said a party insider.

All district presidents of the party in north Bengal, except Ranjan Sarkar, who heads the organisation in Darjeeling, were fielded.

Asked if Bhaichung's candidature made the contest easier for the CPM in Siliguri, Jibesh Sarkar, the Darjeeling district Left Front convener, said: "We cannot say whether the contest has become easier or not for us. We would like to say that he is a good player at the football ground. But in the political arena, he is not none to be reckoned with. We are confident of securing the Siliguri seat."

READ MORE

TMC's ‘show of strength’ in Mirik before Assembly election

11:24 AM

•

Trinamool Congress

Darjeeling, 19 Jan 2016: Having managed to create a foothold in the hills, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) now wants to test the waters ahead of the Assembly election and will be holding its first political seminar on Wednesday in Mirik.

To ensure an overwhelming turnout on the day, party heavyweights such as Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew, Arup Biswas, the minister in-charge of youth services and housing, and former India team football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, will be some of the prominent figures. The TMC has been politically active in the hills, but Wednesday’s programme has been organised strategically since the chief minister will be arriving for a three-day tour on Thursday. The seminar, set to be held atAaley ground, is also likely to pave the way for the TMC’s forthcoming activities in the hills.

TMC (Hills) spokesperson Binny Sharma said: “This is the first time that the party is organising such a political seminar in the hills. It will be a big boost for our hill based leaders and activists. We have mobilised supporters from all the three sub-divisions of the hills. We expect the attendance to be anywhere between 9,000 and 10,000 people.” The Trinamool-led state government, and in particular, the chief minister with her development dollies and boards, has managed to ensnare sections of the hill population. This is in spite of the fact that the TMC is against the statehood demand and politics in the hills revolve around this deeply embedded sentiment. “During the seminar, we expect party leaders from Kolkata to lay out roadmaps and strategies for future activities in the hills,” said Sharma.

“And most importantly, the Assembly election is just around the corner and we want to ensure our party does well in the region.” As a strategic ploy, the Trinamool had fielded Bhutia from Darjeeling constituency in the last Lok Sabha election. But the ace footballer lost to BJP candidate S.S. Ahluwalia, who was supported by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. But the equations are changing now with the GJM caught blinking when the state cabinet approved the formation of Kalimpong district and Mirik sub-division. In all likelihood, the TMC will capitalise on this development; hence the decision to hold the political seminar in Mirik.

Sharma said: “Besides political activities, we will also deliberate on the state government’s role in developing the hills. Kalimpong will be a district soon and Mirik a sub-division. We will have to focus on the development of Mirik to bring it in the
mainstream because the area has long remained neglected.” Discussions will also be held on the role and work taken up by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in developing the hills since its inception in August 2012. “The GTA was formed to develop the hills. The people should be made aware of what exactly it has done in the past three years,” said Sharma. The GJM has been accusing the state government of interference in the independent functioning of the GTA and its reluctance in transferring the departments to the hill body as noted in the GTA Memorandum of Agreement and Act.

Senior GJM leaders were not available for comment, but Arun Sigchi, the Sabhasad from Mirik-Soureni constituency, said, “The TMC, or for that matter, any party, can hold political programmes wherever they want in a democracy. However, the Trinamool’s claim of having established a solid base in the hills will have to be proved when they hold their seminar on Wednesday. We would like to see their supporters from the hills and not the plains.”

Source : EOIC

READ MORE

Mamata Banerjee, Bimal Gurung together at Himal Tarai Dooars Sports Festival 2014-15

10:17 AM

•

sports

Vivek Chhetri
Darjeeling, Jan. 21: Sport was a great leveller today as didi, daju (elder brother) and bhai found a common ground to cultivate their relation that has been rocky since 2011.

Mamata Banerjee, Bimal Gurung at Himal Tarai Dooars Sports Festival 2014-15

Mamata Banerjee, Bimal Gurung and Bhaichung Bhutia showed mutual respect while sharing the stage on the Dali Police Grounds here today.

Bhaichung, who was referred to as bhai (brother) by Gurung, was conferred with the Bangla Gaurav award by Mamata at the prize distribution ceremony of the Himal-Terai-Dooars Sports Festival 2014-15 organised by the police department.

Bhutia, Trinamul's face for the Darjeeling seat in the last Parliamentary polls, said: "We must appreciate the role taken up by the police to promote sports. I believe that after such a tournament, they should select a pool of sportsmen who can be given further exposure. Bimal daju (elder brother) and Mamata didi are also here today and I would request that they should come up with an artificial turf in the hills. This will help football immensely as there is a lot of talent in these areas."

The two-month-long fest included football, taekwondo, archery and karate competitions along with the Darjeeling police marathon. The winners of different competitions were awarded at Dali today.

Gurung, who spoke after Bhaichung, said: "Bhaichung Bhutia bhai referred to a good point with regard to football. It will be good if we work towards it. The GTA can work for this. We will provide 100 per cent support. This kind of initiative will help bring our younger generation to the right track."

Gurung's relation with Bhaichung went sour after the footballer was nominated as the Trinamul candidate for the Darjeeling Parliament seat. Gurung's decision to support the BJP for the seat had also strained his ties with Mamata.

Today, Gurung spoke for around six minutes. "My best wishes, especially to Miss Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of Bengal. She loves Darjeeling and this is why she comes here often. She loves sports. It is because of sports that the relations between the hills and the plains are getting better."

Mamata during her nine-minute-long speech did not speak on political issues unlike in 2013 when she had said "Darjeeling is part of Bengal" at an official programme at Chowrasta here.

The comment had angered Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Gurung who has been demanding the Gorkhaland state.

Today, Mamata said: "Bhaichung talked about a team (pool of good sportsmen). I am telling him, we have given you responsibility and we will provide all help to you. There is a lot of quality in the hills and I love Darjeeling for this. We are proud of the sisters and brothers of Darjeeling and that is why I come to Darjeeling often. The Terai and Dooars are also moving ahead and we need to help the region. I want to work for the betterment of Darjeeling. Bimalji is there in the GTA and together we will do good work for the hills."

Tomorrow, a GTA delegation, including the three hill MLAs and GTA executive Sabha members Roshan Giri, Taranga Pandit and Tilak Chand Roka, will meet Mamata at Richmond Hill here to discuss GTA's functioning. Gurung will not be part of the delegation as he will leave for Nepal.

Source: Telegraph

READ MORE

Bhaichung Bhutia Inducted in AFC Hall of Fame

2:02 PM

•

sports news

Former Indian National Team Captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted to the AFC’s (Asian Football Confederation's ) Hall of Fame, a letter from Dato Alex Soosay, General Secretary, Asian Football Confederation, to All India Football Federation, confirmed.

Bhaichung Bhutia has been inducted to the AFC’s (Asian Football Confederation's ) Hall of Fame

“The AFC is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in Philippines on November 30 this year where a joint event will take place to celebrate the Anniversary as well as reward Asia’s finest at the AFC Annual Awards,” the letter read.

“It is my pleasure to announce that India’s legendary Player Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has been selected to be honoured as an inductee to the AFC”s Hall of Fame.”

Besides Bhaichung, nine other legendary Players from Asia would also be honoured. The Awards are being instituted for the first time and Bhaichung is the sole Indian in the glittering list.

In his congratulatory message, Mr. Praful Patel, President, AIFF said: “Bhaichung has been the flag bearer of Indian Football in over 100 International matches. My heartiest congratulations to him! Post retirement, he has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of the sport in the Country.”

Congratulating Bhaichung, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, stated: “It’s a huge honour for Indian Football. Being an inductee into AFC’s Hall of Fame is recognition of all his hard work and commitment. We at AIFF are very proud of his achievements and look forward for his involvement as we move ahead.”

Bhaichung thanked AFC for selecting him into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s a great honour for me. I need to thank AFC for finding me competent enough. I also need to thank All India Football Federation for their continous support.”

“Obviously it won’t have ever been possible without the support of all my teammates whom I have played along with and also the Coaches for their guidance and Clubs I have represented. A special thanks for all my fans for standing beside me. This Award more for you than mine,” he maintained.

READ MORE

Football Club of Sikkim (FCS) not to boycott any national league

9:18 AM

•

sports news

Former national football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia, presently president of the Football Club of Sikkim, today announced the future of youngsters in terms of their football career is very important and hence the FCS will not boycott any national league or tournament as asserted recently by the Sikkim Football Association (SFA) in their press release few days back.

FCS not boycott any national league

He also said local football club members and former players should be granted membership with voting rights in the SFA, which is a valid demand as per the SFA Constitution.

Speaking today at a press meet here at the Press Club of Sikkim, Bhutia said the FCS will not boycott any national league or tournament and instead demanded the SFA to conduct state level tournaments for U-14, U-16 and U-19 players ahead of the 2nd Division I-League and Senior League.

The former skipper noted a single day’s selection process is hardly adequate to adjudge a player’s talents and what is needed is a three-week camp at least in all the four districts of the state. For this endeavour, the FCS is ready to extend every possible help to the SFA, he assured.

The SFA has always given preference to the Governor’s Gold Cup over the leagues and if the same priority is accorded to local leagues, Sikkim’s football will definitely experience a marvelous turnaround and even clinch prestigious tournaments such as the Santosh Trophy, noted Bhutia.

Further, Bhaichung, along with other FCS members, also demanded the immediate resignation of three executive members of the SFA, namely BK Roka, Menla Ethenpa and Karma Yogyal.

“Although I happen to be a member of several international football associations, I feel sad to say the SFA is not accepting me as one of its members and declines to accept my help. I sincerely want to contribute to Sikkim for the benefit of our budding footballers and clubs’, remarked Bhutia.

He added the SFA cannot be termed as a “bad” association, but it has some members who seem bent on not letting the association function smoothly, which is hampering Sikkim’s football prospects. The ace footballer also informed the FCS has written to the AIFF asking the apex body to intervene in the matter, and if the SFA fails to comply despite this, the FCS, according to AIFF guidelines, will form a new association and conduct leagues in the state.

FCS general secretary Phurba Sherpa also noted the SFA has not conducted any sub-junior camps and tournaments as yet. Unless the SFA sits for discussions with the FCS, the latter, which includes all the 13 football clubs in Sikkim, will boycott the state league, he added.

Further, Sherpa urged the SFA to dissolve the existing body and conduct fresh elections citing a number of empty positions within the association after the resignations of several members who were government employees.

“We are not external elements, but concerned individuals and an integrated part of Sikkim football who are selflessly working for the benefit of young players since the past several years to promote both players and the beautiful game,” concluded Sherpa.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

Darjeeling District TMC Committee formed by Mamata Banerjee

8:32 AM

•

Trinamool Congress

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee at a meeting on Friday officially formed the party’s Darjeeling District Committee and Darjeeling Hill Committee. Informing about the meeting, the newly reappointed TMC Darjeeling hill committee president Rajen Mukhia said the party’s Darjeeling district committee will have Gautam Dev as President, while Bhaichung Bhutia, Nantu Pal and Alok Chakrabarty will function as working presidents. The TMC hill committee will have former Kurseong MLA Shanti Chettri as working president, he added.

TMC Darjeeling hill committee president Rajen Mukhi

The TMC president has also directed the newly appointed leaders to provide a complete report on the district and hill committees to the party’s national general secretary Mukul Rai by June 14.

Mukhia said, “The two committees were formed in preparation to the state assembly elections in 2016. The amount of votes received by Bhutia during the Lok Sabha election has projected the party as the second strongest front in the region and we want to improve that further to attain the top position.” The party president is happy with the performance in the hill and has directed the two committees to strengthen the support-base further ahead of the assembly elections, Mukhia added.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

Bhaichung Bhutia hinted at quitting politics

9:36 AM

•

TMC

Addressing his first press conference today in Darjeeling following his loss of the Darjeeling seat in the Lok Sabha election, footballer-turned politician Bhaichung Bhutia hinted at quitting politics even as he pledged to continue  extending all possible support to ensure the development of the hills.

Bhaichung Bhutia appears for the press conference in Darjeeling.

The former national football skipper had contested in the general election as the Trinamool Congress candidate from Darjeeling constituency. By fielding Bhaichung, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had apparently expected him to garner significant votes not only from the Darjeeling hills, but also from the plains where he is popular for his achievements in the football field. However, Banerjee’s strategy went awry as Bhaichung lost by a margin of nearly 2 lakh votes to rival Surendra Singh Ahluwalia of the BJP-GJM combine.

Speaking in the afternoon on the sidelines of the party’s core committee meeting in Darjeeling, Bhaichung answered a number of queries regarding his political prospects.

He said, “My bread and butter will remain football and I can remain associated with the sport either as a commentator or by playing in exhibition matches. I have to earn my livelihood. However, my presence or absence in politics will not matter as I promise to extend every possible support from all angles to my party and the people of the hills. In fact, even when deeply engrossed as a footballer, I have done a lot of things for the Darjeeling hills.”

Even as he congratulated Ahluwalia for winning, the ace footballer on hindsight felt the poll outcome could have been better for him.

“Securing more than 91,000 votes on the very first outing is good showing, but we did expect more than that number. However, as I have said earlier, we have to accept the people’s mandate,” said Bhaichung.

At the same time, he admitted a lot needs to be done in terms of the TMC’s organisational structure.

“We are assessing the election results to identify our weaknesses and drawbacks and to work on addressing them in future. We need to win the hearts of the masses,” he noted.

On the TMC’s hill unit and its future role in the region, Bhaichung said it is important to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration keeping the people’s interests upmost in mind.

He said, “Of course, we need to be a worthy opposition. We must also extend all possible support to the GTA to ensure it functions well for the welfare of the people. Having said so, I wish to stress our party has always worked for the development of the hills and its residents and will continue doing so.”

Commenting on the recent spate of inter-party clashes in the hills, the football star said he strongly condemns such activities and they should be shunned at all costs.

“Now that the election is over, I appeal to all the political parties in the hills to maintain peace. If a region is to develop and its people to prosper, efforts must be made to ensure peace and stability are maintained. It won’t be incorrect to state our party has managed to restore peace in the hills after a long period of unrest and instability,” said Bhaichung.

The meeting was attended by senior members of the hill TMC unit and discussions held as to where the party erred in the run-up to the election as also the rectifications needed to be done. Senior party members including Bhaichung also thanked voters from both the hills and the plains who had supported the TMC candidate.

Source:EOI

READ MORE

BJP SS Ahluwalia wins in Darjeeling, Interesting times lie ahead in the hills

7:34 PM

•

TMC

BJP candidate for Darjeeling constituency, Surinder Singh Ahluwalia won by 196,795 votes in the Lok Sabha Election.SS Ahluwalia secured 487,564 votes, while Bhaichung, TMC candidate, received 290,769 votes.

Darjeeling residents arrive at Shri S S Ahaluwalia's place in Darjeeling

Rior to Lok Sabha polls, Darjeeling witnessed an upsurge of Trinamool Congress under the draconian eyes of Mamata Banerjee, who was gradually gaining grounds and winning some hearts in Darjeeling with her divide and rule policy. TMC's candidate, Bhaichung Bhutia looked a strong candidate and posed a great threat to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), the leading political party in the hills. But, election results portrayed the strength of GJM and people's faith in BJP, as the local party had backed BJP's candidature of SS Ahluwalia, who won Darjeeling's Lok Sabha seat with 1.98 lakh votes (at present).

Scenes in the party office of GJM

The scenes in the party office of GJM were something to watch out for, as party's supporters' smiles said it all. The dream of Gorkhaland could be seen from far away, their glistening eyes narrated the dream. Some of them were even dancing on the streets outside the party office to the tunes of an emphatic victory with party flags in their hands. 
GJM general secretary, Roshan Giri was excited with BJP's victory, as he said, ''We have high expectations from BJP after this victory. The party (BJP) will look into the demand of Gorkhaland.'' But, not everyone is optimistic about the dream of Gorkhaland, even after BJP is all set to come to power.

During the last elections as well, it was BJP who won the Lok Sabha seat from Darjeeling in the form of Jaswant Singh, who had promised Gorkhaland during the time along with Bimal Gurung. So will it be the same this year as well - promises not being delivered. Jyostna, a resident of Darjeeling does not have high expectations, as she said, ''It does not matter who comes to power. All are the same. But, the good thing is that BJP has stood for smaller states, so Gorkhaland might have a slight chance. But, I have a question - can we think of Gorkhaland when TMC still rules Bengal?''

Roshan Giri is well aware of the fact about TMC being in power. With a tone of confidence in his voice, he said, ''That is there (TMC in power), but after all, it is a positive sign that the absolute majority will be with BJP at the centre.'' Though, BJP may not have directly included Gorkhaland in their manifesto, but the locals have trusted upon the party to deliver their long pending dream of Gorkhaland.

GJM has pinned their hopes on SS Ahluwalia, who the locals feel, do not understand the culture, tradition and language of the hills. Ironically, they had to vote for BJP, as other candidates stayed aloof from the demand of Gorkhaland. Alok Pariyar from Kalimpong said, ''These leaders do not understand the local aspirations. They do not even spend much time with the locals. They mostly spend their time in Delhi. I do not expect much change even after BJP comes to power.''

But, there are some locals who still hopes that the problems of the Gorkhas would be addressed by the party coming to power ? BJP. ''I hope that the party will look into the issue of Gorkhaland, which is a decade old demand. One hopes that the party also addresses other issues of Gorkhas as well, which are in abundance'' said Parsu Himgmang.
Upendra, another resident of Darjeeling who has followed politics in the hills for many a years gives a deep insight to BJP's victory. He said, ''The only reason why BJP has won in the hills is that the people in the hills are still hoping for Gorkhaland. People remained steady fast with BJP, expecting that the BJP has the required strength and guts to see through the demand of Gorkhaland.''

It was no seceret that BJP would win the elections in the hills, but many experts were surprised when BJP received a number of votes in the plains as well, which primarily includes Siliguri, where a large number of Bengali population reside and are against the formation of Gorkhaland. One had expected TMC and CPI (M) to outmuscle GJM, but it was not to be. ''This is the result of the draconian policy that had been adopted by TMC, which has even angered the people in the plains. TMC created a brutal regime of fear,'' said Upendra.

While there were other reasons for an overwhelming victory for BJP as well. The pathetic condition of the tea garden workers in Darjeeling and Dooars, Alipurduar also forced people to go against TMC. ''Nepali and Adivasi tea workers might have also voted for GJM 'asking for help' to look into their pathetic ocndition.''

With such comfortable victory for BJP, TMC no longer holds the power to instill that fear, with BJP and SS Ahluwalia in power. GJM seems to have played the election game with Ahluwalia as an ace card, as Ahluwalia enjoys a good relationship with Narendra Modi, who will be the first citizen of India. This relationship can only play an important role in realising the demand of Gorkhaland. Ahluwalia can be used as a shield to protect GJM, if required against TMC, who will still rule the state.

Interesting times lie ahead in Darjeeling.

Source: Ashim Sunam - merinews

READ MORE

Uphill task and plain truth

12:52 AM

•

Subash Ghising

Tamsang wondered why his father wanted him to sacrifice his career and return home. “I had a passion for Oriental studies and taught British army officers. I was enjoying life. But, I could not decline my father's last wish,” recalls Tamsang, 69.

Lyang Song Tamsang, Ahluwalia and Baichung Bhutia

He understood his father's rationale only after he started visiting Kalimpong's villages. “I came to know how the people of my community lived,” he says. “They were completely dependent on the forest for food and had no beds to sleep on. I have been to many countries-wealthy and impoverished. I never saw such extreme poverty anywhere.”

Tamsang became an activist. He conducted a study of the region and concluded that the reason for the people's plight was entirely political. He felt the government ignored the Lepchas because the community had one of the slowest population growth rates in India.

“In fact, our growth was negative for many decades,” he says. “We were never counted in the Indian political circle, unlike the Gorkhas in the region.”

Tamsang and other Lepcha leaders urged the people to bring about a population boom. “We had no alternative,” says Tamsang. “The government would take our views into consideration only if we establish ourselves as a force to reckon with.”

Now, the Lepcha community in Darjeeling has registered a marginal positive growth. In this election, the 50,000-strong Lepchas in Kalimpong region have finally found their voice. The community, in fact, could decide the cliffhanger between the BJP's national vice-president and Rajya Sabha member S.S. Ahluwalia and former football ace Baichung Bhutia of the Trinamool Congress. Incidentally, both do not belong to West Bengal; Ahluwalia is a Punjabi (who was educated in the Kolkata) and Baichung is from Sikkim.

The Lepchas are likely to back the Trinamool Congress, which took up their cause last year. In an apparent bid to offset the impact of the Gorkha cry for statehood, the Mamata Banerjee government created an administrative board for Lepchas, shortly after it had to set up the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA). And it has been given 025 crore for developmental projects.

Many people questioned the government's move. “She [Mamata] wanted us tribes in the hills to fight, so that she can reap benefits. She is worse than the CPI(M) and out to destroy Darjeeling,” Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung tells THE WEEK.

Though the board-which does not have the Centre's approval-has no powers to enable autonomy, the Lepchas are a happy lot. “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is the bestower of fortune,” reads the board's manual.

With the initial funds they have received, Lepcha women, who will get 02 lakh each, are to build 1,000 houses in Kalimpong. “This is aimed at empowering our women,” says Tamsang, who heads the board.

While the Lepchas have rallied behind the Trinamool Congress, the GJM-BJP grip over the Gorkhas seems to be weakening. “For the first time in three decades, the election in Darjeeling would be fought politically,” says CPI(M) state committee member Ashok Bhattacharya. “This is interesting; the best part of elections in West Bengal.”

He credits the Nepali-speaking majority, the Gorkhas, for the change of mood in the constituency. “Earlier, the CPI(M) was not allowed to even step on the hills. Our offices were burnt down during the massive agitation. But today, Darjeeling is open to all parties; this is very encouraging.”

As THE WEEK travels across the hills, it is clear that the demand for Gorkhaland does not dominate the election campaign. Though the aspiration for a separate state remains, the people say they would not go by any political diktat while voting, but use their brains rather.

During a rally in Kalimpong, Ahluwalia tells the crowd that he belongs to the Sikh community, which, like the Gorkhas, has made many sacrifices for the Indian Army. The crowd's response is tepid.

“Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali is the war cry of Gorkhas. For Sikhs, it is Jo Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal. I am not an outsider. I am like you,” Ahluwalia shouts to infuse some josh. It has little impact on the crowd.

He says Ari Bahadur Gurung, who hailed from Darjeeling, was one of the signatories of the Indian Constitution and the first barrister of Darjeeling hills. The BJP veteran assures that if he wins, he would erect a statue of A.B. Gurung in Darjeeling and New Delhi. Yet again, the crowd remains unmoved.

Finally, Ahluwalia plays his trump card: “Har har Modi, ghar ghar Modi.” The crowd erupts. “Don't you want to see Narendra Modi as prime minister?” “Yes!” they roar.

The GJM, which once nurtured the dream of a separate state, seems to have lost steam. A high-pitch call for Gorkhaland can no longer assure victory. In 2009, now-expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh, who was backed by the GJM, won the seat by a margin of 2.6 lakh votes. He played up the statehood issue and solely banked on the hills' six lakh votes.

This time, however, Ahluwalia is relying on the eight lakh votes in Darjeeling's plains, mainly the Siliguri region. An equal division of votes in the plains among the four parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M), would ensure the BJP's victory.

The pro-Trinamool stand of the Lepchas and the Gorkha National Liberation Front in the hills has unnerved Ahluwalia, who has abandoned the issue of a separate state halfway, fearing a backlash in the plains.

“The BJP has never said this time that it would carve out a separate state,” says Ahluwalia. “But there is no harm in examining the issue. That does not mean that a separate state would be carved out immediately.”

With the support of the Lepchas and the GNLF, the Trinamool Congress can bag more than one lakh votes from the hills. And if Baichung dribbles past Ahluwalia in the plains, the Trinamool Congress will win the match.

Carefully avoiding the question on his views on Gorkhaland, Baichung says: “The BJP has done nothing for the hills. They, along with the GJM, exploited the aspirations of the people of the hills. The people have understood that. No doubt, I will win.”

Gurung, who also heads the GTA, admits that his support has dwindled in the hills, but still is certain of victory. “Take my word, we will win,” he says. “Yes, the victory margin will decrease this time, but we will sweep the hills.”

Besides the weakening support base, Ahluwalia and Gurung have another headache: a pro-Gorkhaland independent candidate, M.P. Lama. They allege the Trinamool Congress has roped in the former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University to fracture the Gorkha vote bank.

Desperate to retain Gorkha votes, the BJP has inducted Chhatre Subba, former chief of GNLF's militant wing, who was jailed for 10 years. Subba was accused of attempting to assassinate GNLF chief Subhas Ghising, when he softened the demand for a separate state.

Asked why the party has accepted a militant leader, who once raised secessionist slogans, Ahluwalia turns defensive. “I do not consider him an insurgent or militant,” he says. “He was merely a product of agitation.”

Now, the basic question is why, all of a sudden, Gurung and co. have lost their ground in the hills. “He was clueless about how to proceed with the Gorkhaland issue,” says B.K. Pradhan, a lawyer who leads the civil society in the hills. “He raised false hope and talked big, but was not able to stick to it. His biggest mistake, however, was to ally with Mamata during the last Assembly election. That gave her a foothold in the hills.”

Pradhan, the first chairman of Darjeeling municipality, says that the BJP, however, can take heart, as Mamata's setting up of the Lepcha board has irked the Gorkhas. The palpable Modi wave, too, would boost the BJP's prospects, he adds.

Incidentally, the BJP would have received a major blow had the GJM and the Trinamool Congress sealed an alliance that was being discussed. But talks failed after Mamata unilaterally declared Baichung as the candidate.

“Mamata behaved like an insane person,” says Gurung. “In the morning, she told me there would be consensus. By evening, she did a somersault. She does not believe in any decorum. She is a selfish politician. She created a division among the hills' brothers. She has withdrawn my security, despite the fact that, as the GTA president, I enjoy the rank of a cabinet minister. Someday, I will give her a befitting reply.”

Gurung's swinging between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress and his wavering stand on statehood have not gone down well with the people. “This man takes a hard stand on one day, and goes soft on it the next day,” says Pradhan, pointing at how the steadfast Telangana movement yielded success. “How can the people rely on him?”

Even GJM leaders say Gurung has turned pliant. “Yes, we are losing ground,” says GJM general secretary and MLA Harka Bahadur Chetry. “What worries me is that unrest could return to the hills. Our party president and the chief minister should have worked sensibly to give the hills maximum benefit. Now, if we win this election, we will be able to hold our ground and do good for the region. If we fail, hard days will return to the hills. And then, our existence would be in question.”

Agrees Amar Rai, one of the signatories of the agreement between Darjeeling and the Union government: “If the BJP loses this election even after getting the GJM's support, the government of West Bengal would take that as a referendum against a separate state. I think this is the last shot at Gorkhaland.”

Interview / Baichung Bhutia, Trinamool candidate in Darjeeling

I want to strengthen Mamata's hands

Former Indian football team captain Baichung Bhutia, though born in Sikkim, was once very close to the CPI(M) in West Bengal. As the Trinamool Congress candidate in Darjeeling, he is banking on Mamata Banerjee's image to offset the pro-Modi wave in the region. Excerpts from an interview.

What are your poll prospects?

I have a great chance. I played football for India. Now I am contesting elections. This is the second half of my career.

People say you are an outsider who has little knowledge of Darjeeling's problems.

I have spent more time in West Bengal than those who have doubts about me. Though I grew up in Sikkim, Kolkata is my home. I have toured different parts of West Bengal, including Darjeeling. I am well connected to the people of Darjeeling and have helped the youth from here. People who tag me as an outsider have not mixed with the people like I did.

By entering politics, haven't you polarised your fans?

No. In fact, I entered politics because everyone in the state loves me. I want to give them something in return. I used to entertain them through football. Now I want to change their lives.

Why Trinamool Congress?

Because of Mamata Banerjee. She is trying hard to change West Bengal. I want to strengthen her hands. She has a mission and vision for the state.

Will you be able to fulfil the aspirations of the people?

Darjeeling is not all about hills. The plains have four Assembly constituencies and the hills have three. I will be everybody's man. Political parties, including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the BJP, have cheated the people in the hills. They gave false promises by raising the statehood issue. Former MP Jaswant Singh of the BJP never raised issues of development in Parliament. People need good roads, water, electricity and jobs. But they got only slogans.

Don't you feel separate statehood for Darjeeling is the need of the hour?

I won't say whether it is needed or not needed. But people urgently need development. In the hands of the GJM and the BJP, they are a deprived lot.

It is said Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling called up GJM president Bimal Gurung and asked him not to support you.

I don't know whether he has done it. But if he has, then I can only say that the Gorkhas in Darjeeling have contributed a lot to the development of Sikkim. Today, a great number of Gorkhas work there. So the people of Sikkim owe a lot to the people of Darjeeling. It would do a great disservice to the people of Darjeeling if Sikkim interferes in their business. I don't think the Sikkim government or Chamling should in any way interfere in the election process or the internal matters of Darjeeling.

Interview/S.S. Ahluwalia, BJP candidate in Darjeeling

We won't take Mamata's support

A Congressman who joined the BJP in the 1990s, S.S. Ahluwalia came to prominence as a loyalist of A.B. Vajpayee. As the party candidate in Darjeeling, he faces a tough task. Excerpts from an interview.

You are contesting from Darjeeling though you are an outsider.

It's the party's decision, not that I was eager to fight from this constituency. But I am not an outsider; I am married to a Bengali.

The two parts of the constituency-the hills and the plains-have different aspirations.

Yes, but the constituency is the same. In an election, aspirations of people differ from man to man and woman to woman.

Narendra Modi has laid much emphasis on national security. Yet, the BJP inducted Chhatre Subba, a former militant.

He is not a militant. He was the product of an agitation. He never took part in any secessionist movement as far as I know.

But he once wanted to secede from India and led many attacks as military head of the Gorkha National Liberation Front.

I don't know.

What will be your priorities if elected.

I will work for peace in the region. Development would come ultimately. The Naxal movement started from my constituency 47 years ago. Thank God we don't have Naxals here anymore. We cannot suppress people. We will have to address issues.

People here want IITs and IT parks.

We will bring an IIT and an IT park in Darjeeling. Local people are deprived of education. Great educational institutes here serve boys and girls from outside. I will also try my best to get official status for tribal languages. They [the tribals] are being forced to read and write Bengali.

If Modi needs Trinamool support, will you be an interlocutor for him?

There is no question of taking Mamata Banerjee's support.


Source: The week - By Rabi Banerjee

READ MORE

BJP’s Jaswant gone, will TMC debut in Darjeeling with Bhaichung?

5:09 PM

•

TMC

In a poll season that's fast turning into a Narendra Modi's friends versus Narendra Modi's foes match, a personality like Mamata Banerjee is considered to be a fence-sitter of sorts. West Bengal's chief minister, however, believes that she is one-of-a-kind, lone ranger of sorts, if her many interviews and statements are anything to go by. Consequently, West Bengal, like the Jayalalithaa-led Tamil Nadu, has turned into a state that has the potential to upset the alliance math of the biggies - BJP and the Congress - to such an extent that the final outcome of the polls might end up looking very different to what the parties had anticipated. West Bengal goes into polls on April 17, with just four of its 42 constituencies kicking off the first leg of the Lok Sabha elections in the state. Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri - districts that form the crown of North Bengal - will witness voting on Thursday. Interestingly, the first phase of West Bengal polls witnesses a pitted battle between four constituencies where the ruling party - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress - has traditionally been on the back-foot. The Darjeeling seat is held by former BJP MP Jaswant Singh. Jalpaiguri has CPM leader Mahendra Kumar Roy as its MP. Alipurduars has Manohar Tirkey of the RSP as its MP and Cooch Behar has Nripendra Nath Roy of the All India Forward Bloc.

BJP’s Jaswant gone, will TMC debut in Darjeeling with Bhaichung?

The curious case of a missing MP

Of all the contests, the one at Darjeeling is the most interesting for obvious reasons. The constituency will see a three-way battle between retired footballer Baichung Bhutia, CPM leader Saman Pathak and BJP's national vice-president SS Ahluwalia. However, in the years preceding this, the fight at Darjeeling had mostly been a one-sided battle with BJP's Jaswant Singh always winning hands-down from the seat. However, most recently, in the wake of the Telangana bifurcation, Jaswant Singh was caught in a fairly strange situation. A 'missing complaint' was filed against him by the Gorkha Task Force in Kalimpong, 50 kilometres from Darjeeling. One will remember that it was around the same time that Andhra Pradesh was literally on the boil, thanks to the impending Telangana split.

Telangana, in fact, acted as an epicentre that sparked of tremors of separate statehood demands across the country. Leading the pack was the Gorkhaland movement, centred around Darjeeling, and being violently fought by the GJM (Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha). In 2009, Jaswant Singh had been voted to power as the area's MP on the back of his assertive declarations of helping Gorkhaland acquire statehood. However, as Darjeeling burnt, Singh went missing in action. Understandably so, since the separation of Telangana was being viewed as a gimmicky, desperate move by the Congress, resisted by its own Andhra MPs to change the poll equation in the region. The party faced scathing criticism for letting a state break up like that for its own benefit. No wonder then that the BJP refused to share any of the blame or criticism from political and civil groups that were opposed to granting multiple statehood demands. The resultant stir in Gorkhaland - an area covering Darjeeling, Dooars in north Bengal and some parts of Jalpaiguri - left one youth activist dead and several injured in clashes with security forces. And Jaswant Singh, who had promised to back Gorkhaland's separate statehood demand, maintained a steely silence on the issue, especially with Mamata Banerjee attacking both the Congress and BJP for fuelling illogical statehood demands. Singh's silence drew members of the GTF to Delhi. In Delhi too, Singh refused to meet them and his representatives apparently told the disgruntled GTF that he was touring his constituency. Evidently, Singh was doing nothing like that, leading the enraged GTF to file the missing complaint. GTF leader Manish Tamang explained to Hindustan Times, "Recently, we had gone to Delhi with the Gorkhaland demand and had tried to meet our MP Jaswant Singh. We were told he was not in Delhi but in Darjeeling. But after returning, we could not locate him in Darjeeling. Hence, we lodged a missing diary.

Now that he is required to speak for Gorkhaland he has gone missing." Singh's misfortunes don't seem to have ended at just that. Sensing that the GJM, which had provided rousing support to him during the 2009 polls, had developed a fair amount of cynicism about his motives, the BJP replaced him with SS Ahluwalia in Darjeeling. While the country was caught up discussing how sidelining Singh was one of Narendra Modi's ways of leaving the old guard out in the cold, the party took the best measure possibly to counter the discontent pooling against Singh in his bastion Darjeeling. Some would say, the BJP's move worked. The GJM has pledged to support the new candidate in Darjeeling and the political outfit still has reasonable clout in the area. Singh consequently quit the party after being denied a ticket and has now decided to walk it alone in Barmer, Rajasthan. Can Bengal's favourite footballer score a maiden goal for Trinamool? There is little doubt about the fact that Mamata Banerjee doesn't mind cracking a cruel whip or two to keep her flock together. Consequently, when her two-year-old government was faced with stiff resistance from Gorkhaland, as an offshoot of the Andhra split in 2013, she dealt it with an iron first. When talks fell through, she deployed paramilitary forces in a restive Darjeeling to snuff out the rebellion. Several GJM leaders were arrested and thrown into jail for rioting. As the agitation started to lose steam in the face of stringent measures taken by the administration the GJM came around and offered to clear up 'misunderstandings' with Banerjee's government. Banerjee, who had so far been inflexible, readily accepted the olive branch extended to her and reiterated her famed 'maa, maati, manush' stance, by saying she in invariably with the people of her state, including Darjeeling. Her state still, mind you. Instead of issuing warnings or suchlike she appealed for peace and promised a bounty of development for the Hills. PTI quotes Banerjee saying: "I am sorry for disruption in the development process in the Darjeeling hills, but my government is committed to expedite it in the interest of people there as well as the entire state." She announced allocations from the state budget for hydel power projects and national highways development in the region. Now, she has dealt a body blow to the opposition in Darjeeling by fielding retired footballer Bhaichung Bhutia from the Darjeeling constituency. Though the footballer hails from Sikkim, Darjeeling and several other parts of north Bengal has a sizable Bhutia population. Where Banerjee has dealt with Gorkhaland like a tough school principal, cold and sympathetic alternately, she has now appealed to the oldest and the deepest conflict of the north eastern population of the country. The demand for Gorkhaland has been mostly built around a plea for equal development for the north eastern Gorkha tribe, which feels left behind in the race for progress. Though there are several conflicts of rights and ascendancy among the various tribes in separate NE states, including these parts of north Bengal, they are all bound by a collective disapproval of the mainstream Indian administration's lack of empathy for them. By fielding a Bhutia, Banerjee played the best gamble she could. Not only is Bhaichung a personality homogeneously applauded and looked up at by the entire state, his being a Bhutia helps deal with the Gorkhas' feeling of disenfranchisement better. With the BJP on wobbly ground courtesy Jaswant Singh's no-show, this might be just a perfect pitch for the TMC to make a Darjeeling debut. Bhutia's humble beginnings in Sikkim, and his success achieved on the ground of Bengal, makes him the perfect dream-vendor for Banerjee in Darjeeling. If Bhutia does manage to strike the us-against-Indian-mainland chord with close to one lakh voters in Darjeeling, the BJP might lose a precious seat in West Bengal.

Indian Gorkhas

READ MORE