Cannot Compromise on ‪‎Gorkhaland‬ - JAP leader Bhawani Pradhan after resignation

1:31 PM

•

Politics

"My Conscience Doesn't Permit Me to Compromise on Gorkhaland Demand" - JAP leader Bhawani Pradhan after resignation

An ardent supporter of Dr. Mahendra P Lama and long time associate with DDUDF and Kurseong Sub-division Convener of Jan Andolan Party Mr. Bhawani Pradhan has resigned from the party citing differences of principals.

Mr. Bhawani Pradhan who was one of the earliest supporters of Dr. Mahendra P Lama during his bid for 2014 MP elections, said "I am an ordinary individual, who wanted an educated and community loving leader to lead our Darjeeling... I was long time Secretary of DDUDF and I have worked in nooks and corners of Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars... when Dr. Lama contested in 2014, I was so hopeful of him, that I even sold my land, which I bought to build my house on... to raise funds for his campaign... however today, I have come to realize that there is a fundamental difference between my principals and that of JAP.... hence I am resigning."

When asked to explain on the differences, Mr. Pradhan said, "My one and only interest is Gorkhaland statehood... yes we want development, but a separate state for the Gorkhas is a necessity... Development is our right, and for that we don't have to rely on anyone's benevolence... I strongly feel that we should not stake the safety and security of our community which can be derived from a separate state, and seek to exchange it for development..."

 Jan Andolan Party

He added, "Those friends who are today clamouring for development say that we cannot have a revolution on hungry stomach... I just want them to know that revolutions all over the world have in fact been led by those who are hungry and deprived...."

Making his stand on Gorkhaland issue clear, Mr. Pradhan said, "Bengal-centric development will never help the Gorkhas, and may be Bengal led development may make us prosperous, however, I am certain, it will never make us happy... Development is our right and it is not a charity which can only be arrived at if we work as Bengal dictates...."

One can almost feel the personal agony that Mr. Pradhan must have gone through, as he added... "You [Bengal] won't give us development? then don't... even I won't give my self-respect... I won't give up my self-respect... rather I would give in my resignation...."

Mr. Pradhan said he is not doing this to attain some selfish goals, he clarified "I won't join any other party."

Via TheDC

READ MORE

2016 Elections Darjeeling hills - discussing the possibilities

8:23 AM

•

Politics

2016 ELECTIONS: PERMUTATIONS AND COMBINATIONS – DISCUSSING THE POSSIBILITIES

Writes : Upendra

The Chinese have a saying, “may you live in interesting times”... it is both a blessing and a curse. Interesting times could mean, a time of widespread success or even a time of utter chaos. As far as Darjeeling is concerned, it almost feels like someone or the other wished us “interesting times.”

Elections are here folks, and Darjeeling as usual is simmering with tension under the surface. There is a curiosity about the newly formed Jan Andolan Party, and old guards of GNLF are reviving their loyalty towards “Hariyo Jhanda.”CPRM and AIGL have remained in the sidelines as the drama unfolds; Congress and CPI(M) have been more or less silent too. GJM in the meanwhile is trying to hold on to the people, and even though they have made new friends in the Terai and Dooars, some old comrades are leaving them and siding with TMC.

Since we haven’t had Panchayat elections, the only reference point we have to evaluate the political possibilities in the three hill constituencies are the data from 2014 MP elections. Much has changed on the grounds since then, however, this is the only data point we have to compare and contrast some political possibilities in the coming days.

In 2014 elections, GJM supported BJP candidate Shri. SS Ahluwalia garnered a total of 289,017 votes, where as the entire opposition had garnered 161,714 votes (including the NOTA). It is interesting to note that None of the Above (NOTA) had garnered more votes than candidates from CPI(M), Congress and Gorkha Rastriya Congress. Dr. Mahendra P Lama was then supported by CPRM, DDUDF, BGP and AIGL; and Mr. Bhaihung Bhutia of TMC was supported by GNLF.

All said and done, GJM had garnered 55% more votes than the entire opposition combined.

This means that for the opposition parties to win in the hill region, they need to come together and after that, try and get at least 60% votes swing in their favour. Despite all their flaws, GJM base is holding strong and even if there is a swing, a massive 60% swing against them is highly unlikely, at least in the upcoming elections. Also the entire Hill opposition coming together to contest elections are exceedingly improbable.

This thus, opens up a wide range of possibilities for collaborations amongst the various political entities in our hills.

THOSE ASPIRING FOR GORKHALAND
Amongst the political parties championing the cause of Gorkhaland are GJM, GNLF and CPRM. Their methods and how they aspire to achieve it are markedly different though. CPRM doesn’t believe in interim set ups like GTA, and if it was up to them, they would rather dissolve GTA and continue the struggle for Gorkhaland statehood outright. GNLF on the other hand is currently seeking Schedule VI status for the GTA region, with the eventual aim of attaining Gorkhaland.

Meanwhile GJM is running the GTA and to be honest their situation is like the classic Nepali proverb – “Khayis ta hasiya, abo hagera hyer.” For them GTA is something they cannot afford to give up for the fear of Bengal running it through various proxies, and at the same time, they have not been able to run GTA the way it was expected to function.

Indeed there are multiple reasons for improper functioning of GTA, the primary factor being the non-transfer of funds, departments and powers by the Bengal government. Add to that the haphazard and often arbitrary functioning of the party bosses, and a system of nepotism and corruption has made GTA an almost non-functional administrative body, without any real powers. This has resulted in gross disenchantment amongst the general public against the usefulness of GTA, and thus their growing anger towards GJM.

However, currently GJM still continues to strive for Gorkhaland state and that is perhaps what is keeping their base from deserting them en masse.

THOSE ASPIRING FOR DEVELOPMENT
Making a marked shift from the usual ‘Gorkha’ and ‘Gorkhaland’ rhetoric, the Jan Andolan Party is silently increasing their support base. Their focus is in ensure

Via TheDC

READ MORE

GYASA met Mahendra P. Lama at JNU Delhi

2:23 PM

•

Mahendra P. Lama

27th July, 2015: GYASA (Gorkha Youth and Student Association) expressed their gratitude to Professor Mahendra P. Lama , the founding president of the DDUDF, for taking time to see them at Jawaharlal Nehru University. It was a fruitful session where they felt intellectually enriched they said. As he was very supportive of the social movement initiated by GYASA, and encouraged them to stay focused in their vision. As the movement grows, staying focused on the goal will be challenging and crucial to the success of the movement.

GYASA met Mahendra P. Lama at JNU Delhi

Prof. Lama says that EDUCATION is the prime key of the upliftment of the Gorkha society. Where he said “Shisha ko kheti” or “Gyan ko kheti” is what we must do to get more Gorkha people into our policy-making and governance in the country. Most of our people, despite being first or second educated generation have achieved quite a feat in all spheres – be it civil services, academics, military service, or private sector. Our people are extremely talented but we do not have proper guidance and counseling for the students.

While education is essential, we also must not forget our roots. NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER SURRENDER FOR PETTY GAINS! THINK BIG! NEVER FORGET YOUR ROOTS, says Prof. Lama. This is because we must inculcate the culture of giving back to the society in our own little way. An institutionalized effort for research and development must be done on our language, culture, and history. While our language has been constitutionally recognized not substantial had happened for research and study into the language.

Prof. Lama in his own words says, “Unfortunately our political leaderships have failed us in every respect. They have been so lacklustre, under-rated at all levels; ignorant to the hilt; marginalised by virtue of their background and acts; harmfully shortsighted and self centric at the highest societal cost. They are seemingly a bunch of emotions, hollow promises with dangerous instincts of self prophesy and survival. They have become local lords and regional cocoons. As a result, the national image and power of the Gorkhas have steadily eroded and widely stigmatised thereby putting the very future of coming generation in total jeopardy.

Hope lies in the resurrection, commitment and re-emergence and active role of the Gorkha youths to come together nationwide and question these leaderships and imbibe in them larger issues of aspirations of the youths. Only this will bring about a healthy and far reaching transformation. It is some sort of a beginning of renaissance within the pan-India community.”

We must be aware of the changing cosmopolitan needs in terms of skills and career growth. Nurturing a READING HABIT amongst the youth is of prime importance to spread the message. We have all the traits of the most civilized society – polite and respectful to others, humble, communally and religiously tolerant, and so on. However the basic premise of a civilized society, EDUCATION is missing. Once we have the weapon education with us, nothing can stop the Gorkhas from achieving what we aspire to be.

Educated youth and individuals must take part in social movement and contribute more towards changing our social mindset and channelize the energy of our coming generation into more socially constructive activities.

Source - GYASA

READ MORE

Teesta Valley Sabhasad met Gurgaon assault victims, DDUDF sends memorandum

8:54 AM

•

racism

DARJEELING 22 May 2015 : Teesta Valley Sabhasad, Norbu G Lama arrived in Delhi yesterday to visit the Darjeeling trios who were beaten at Gurgaon last Saturday.

Teesta Valley Sabhasad met Gurgaon assault victims

GTA Sabhasad Norbu G Lama was accompanied by Mr. Raunak Singh Ahaluwalia - the son of Darjeeling MP.

On reaching Delhi, the Sabhasad took stock of the situation with the three youths and interacted with those who have helped the three youth.

A GJM spokesperson informed, “We have decided to provide the victims with all kind of financial assistance they need for their treatment. They belong to very poor families and have migrated for employment opportunities… This kind of incident should not happen again,”

Representatives from Gorkha associations based in Delhi are expected to meet Darjeeling MP SS Ahaluwalia and Norbu G Lama today, and with the intention of pressing for the demand to form a Powerful non-political Gorkha body comprising of representatives from all Gorkha communities across India.

Meanwhile, Founder-Trustee of Darieeling Dooars United Development Foundation Mahendra P. Lama, in a memorandum to Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju on Friday said the Gurgaon incident had sent shockwaves among the people in Darjeeling and the North East region. According  to a DDUDF release, Rijiju assured Lama that he would seek a report from Haryana police and take suitable action.

The residents gathered in front of the police station and raised slogans against the police. They even barged into the police station demanding immediate arrest of the accused, said a local source.

On reaching Delhi, the Sabhasad would take stock of the situation with the three youths who are currently undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. It may be recalled here that a group of seven to eight persons brutally assaulted Abhishek Rai, Sagar Rai and Dev Kumar Subba of Teesta Valley area over a trivial issue in Nathupur village of Gurgaon district on Saturday night. The incident was triggered after Abhishek threw a packet containing garbage and broken glass from the first floor of his residence into a dustbin kept on the roadside. The packet missed the dustbin with shards of glass hitting some youths, which lead to the ghastly attack.

“The incident definitely had a racial overtone and regional bias. Like a large number of younger generation people living in Delhi and around for studies and livelihood, these three youths from tea gardens of Darjeeling have been there mainly for their livelihood as the living conditions and economic situations in these gardens have sharply deteriorated in the last decade or so. More importantly, these youths have gone to Gurgaon to also contribute in the development process there,” the DDUDF memorandum said.

The incident has once again affected the spirit and enthusiasm of a large number ofpeople from the North East region in Delhi and around. It has once again raised the spectre of racial and regional violence in Delhi and around. “In order to prevent recurrence of such ghastly incidence of violence in future we sincerely appeal to you to ensure the culprits including the house owner and his associates are booked strictly under the rule of law,” the memorandum said.

A section of the police, it said, had allegedly complicated the situation by racial remarks and they, too, should be booked according to law.

“The incident definitely had a racial overtone and regional bias. Like a large number of younger generation people living in Delhi and around for studies and livelihood, these three youths from tea gardens of Darjeeling have been there mainly for their livelihood as the living conditions and economic situations in these gardens have sharply deteriorated in the last decade or so. More importantly, these youths have gone to Gurgaon to also contribute in the development process there,” the DDUDF memorandum said.

The incident has once again affected the spirit and enthusiasm of a large number of people from the North East region in Delhi and around. It has once again raised the spectre of racial and regional violence in Delhi and around. “In order to prevent recurrence of such ghastly incidence of violence in future we sincerely appeal to you to ensure the culprits including the house owner and his associates are booked strictly under the rule of law,” the memorandum said.

A section of the police, it said, had allegedly complicated the situation by racial remarks and they, too, should be booked according to law.  (HS ad EOIC)

Source: EOI & DC

READ MORE

All members of Prof. M P Lama's Party DDUDF election trust quit

8:31 AM

•

Politics

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, May 22: All five trustees of the DDUDF (Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation), which was formed to push the candidature of Mahendra P. Lama in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency in the last general elections, have resigned from the board saying the entity has been dormant ever since its inception.

Mahendra P. Lama

The five trustees of the foundation, B.K. Pradhan, Bharat Prakash Rai, Rev. C Baruah, Hem Baraily and Udhyan Rai, said in a signed statement: "It has been unanimously resolved that the following trustees of DDUDF have agreed to renounce from the trusteeship of DDUDF owing to the fact that the board of trustee has remained dormant and non functional since its inception."
The decision was taken by the board of trustees at a meeting held in Darjeeling on May 19 under the chairmanship of Pradhan.

Lama, the former vice-chancellor of the Sikkim University, had contested the last Lok Sabha election as an Independent and got 55,767 votes. On March 9 early this year, Lama had said he would form a political party soon as it was the "people's wish".

Pradhan today said: "The very fact that a meeting of the board of trustees hasn't been held even once since its inception propelled us to renounce the trusteeship."

Asked if Lama's decision to form the political party had forced the resignation, Pradhan said: "Well, I was the one who had asked Mahendra bhai to contest the (Lok Sabha) election... there is talk of a political party and we might unnecessarily get dragged into this without our involvement."
Told about the trustees' resignation, Lama, who was in Delhi today, said: "It is their voluntary decision and I have nothing much to say. We will soon constitute a new board."

Asked if his plan to float a political party would be affected, Lama said: "We will definitely float a party as it is the people's wish. We are still working on the date to float the party."

Source: Telegraph

READ MORE

Friends and ‘foes’ gather, GJMM stays aloof

11:04 AM

•

Subhash Ghisingh

While even ‘enemies’ reached Bagdogra Airport to pay their last respects to the “uncrowned king of the Hills,” no important leader from the present dispensation in the Hills, the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM), was seen around here.

People line up to pay their last respect to Shri. Subash Ghising

However, GJMM chief and chief of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Bimal Gurung today announced that all offices under the GTA will remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect to the once strongman of Darjeeling, Subhas Ghisingh, who died in New Delhi yesterday. Mr Gurung was also once a close aide to Mr Ghisingh, the founder of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF).

“I have not seen any Morcha leader here, but this is their problem,” said the founder of the Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) Mahendra P Lama.

However, former Rajya Sabha MP Saman Pathak came here to pay the departed leader his last respects. Mr Pathak refused to recall his past memories during the Gorkhaland agitation in the Darjeeling Hills under the leadership of the GNLF chief. The house of former Darjeeling MP, the late Ananda Pathak, (father of Saman Pathak) was set on fire and his family members were taken hostage during the Gorkhaland agitation in the mid-80s.

Former MLA from Kalimpong Santa Chhetri, who was once close to Mr Ghisingh, also reached the airport to pay her last respect to the late Ghisingh. Ms Chhetri had to leave the Hills during the GJMM rise, and she finally left the GNLF and joined the Trinamul Congress.

“My leader Mr Ghisingh was the only leader who raised the Hill issues and made the demand for a separate state of Grokhaland international. I failed to control my emotions after hearing of his sad demise. I have come here like hundreds of other people to pay him my last respect,” said Ms Chhetri.

Rajen Mukhia, who was with Subash Ghisingh when he fought the GJMM, also left the GNLF and joined the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) as he felt that his mentor decided to go slow against GJMM chief Bimal Gurung.

Mr Mukhia, who joined the Trinamul Congress, was one of the leaders at the airport paying homage to the departed Hill leader.

Source: thestatesman

READ MORE

DDUDF Takes Up The Case of Kurseong Ranger's College

10:56 AM

•

MP S.S. Ahluwalia

While GJM is Busy Inaugurating Sign Boards - DDUDF Takes Up The Case of Kurseong Ranger's College

Ranger’s College in Kurseong About to Be Shut Down Completely

With the GJM and Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia being completely ineffective, the Darjeeling and Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation has stepped up to save one of Darjeeling's important heritage - Kurseong Ranger's College.

On December 11, TheDC and Himalaya Darpan had reported about the fact that the Eastern Ranger's College was about to be shut down [Details here: Ranger’s College in Kurseong About to Be Shut Down Completely
]

However, neither the GTA nor Darjeeling MP did anything to bring this issue to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

Following which the DDUDF President Dr. Mahendra P Lama approached the Director General (Forests) and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests Shri. S S Garbyal and informed him about the need to preserve the Eastern Forest Ranger's College, situated at the St. Mary's hills in Kurseong.

Shri. S S Garbyal informed Dr. Lama that he along with a team from the MoEF would visit Kurseong for an evaluation tour and decide on the matter.

Dr. Lama informed Mr. Garbyal that the Eastern Forest Ranger's College was a heritage institute and a pride of the Darjeeling hills, and thus not only needs to be conserved, but also needs to be upgraded to a research institute status.

The Ranger's College in Kurseong is one of the four premier institutes in India which along with such institutes in Dehradoon in Uttarakhand, Barnihat in Assam and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu that trains rangers selected from all over India.

Dr. Lama said that the Ranger's college was a pride of the Darjeeling Hills and if it shuts down it would be a great loss to the hills.

We are hopeful that Dr. Lama's timely intervention will help in saving this prestigious Institute.

While we thank Dr. Lama for his initiative and assure him of all support in this endeavour from our side. We cannot help but call our GTA officials and MP...

Source: DC

READ MORE

DDUDF Pushes for 3-Tier Panchayat System, calls DGHC and GTA unconstitutional bodies

8:28 AM

•

Politics

DDUDF Promotes Formation Panchayat Council - Calls GTA "Unconstitutional Body"

Coming down heavily on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration set up, the Darjeeling and Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) have called it an unconstitutional body, and have started to focus on forming Panchayat Councils.

 Dr. Mahendra P Lama

Speaking to the press, the DDUDF Chief Dr. Mahendra P Lama said that "DGHC and GTA are unconstitutional bodies, which is why it is futile to run after these bodies... and hence it is important to develop the Panchayat system which has constitutional guarantee."

He further claimed that, "GTA being an unconstitutional body is meant to be a stop gap measure to placate the hill politicians, where as Panchayat is the body through which central schemes and policies can be implemented at the grassroots level"

The DDUDF Panchayat Council has started to be formed from Longview, and gradually be expanded to Sitong, Sipahidhura, Tindharye and so on.

Addressing a meeting held at Kurseong Public Library, Dr. Lama said, "none of the political parties demanding Gorkhaland have done so with proper political foundation... emotions alone can never get us Gorkhaland... we need proper foundation and strategy which has so far been lacking."

Dr. Lama asserted that in the past 1 year DDUDF has achieved a lot, including meeting the Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to update her on the tea garden wage related issue.

He further said, "wait till we come to power and we will show, what development looks like... merely laying foundation stones does not equate to development... we will show what it looks like"

Accusing GJM of fooling the public, Dr. Lama said, "those who know nothing about farming, should not be holding 'Krishi Mela'... getting paid dancers to shake their hips and qualifying that as 'Krishi Mela' is actually an injustice to the farming community"

Dr. Lama assured that DDUDF and its ideals will gradually spread across the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars.


Source: DC

READ MORE

Darjeeling MP Faces Heat Over Choice of Model Village

11:38 PM

•

SS Ahluwalia

The opposition parties have heavily criticized Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia on his choice of village for the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna.

Opposition leaders particular from the hills have condemned the move as being motivated by calculation of vote and vote bank than real development of an area which is hitherto neglected and marginalized as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Pic by Kundan Yolmo: SS Ahluwalia in Naxal
leader Kanu Sanyal's house

Speaking to the press, DDUDF Chief Dr. M P Lama said, "We had repeatedly warned that we cannot afford to elect an outsider as our MP... this is what happens when you elect an outsider... SS Ahluwalai has no idea about the socio-economic and geographical realities of Darjeeling constituency... he is least bothered about the development of the hills... what has he done so far that exhibits that he has the best intentions towards Darjeeling hills? Nothing..."

Explaining his criticism Dr. Lama said, "see Hatighisa lies along a national highway... it is 20 kilometers away from a University and 22 kilometers away from a medical college... it is more or less already developed... as compared to places in the hills where the roads are yet to be built... or electricity is yet to be connected"

"Places like Todey-Tangta in Kalimpong sub-division and Jhepi in Rimbick region are far more deprived than Hatighisa," said Dr Lama

Ciriticising Ahluwalia's choice former Rajyasabha MP and CPI(M) leader Saman Pathak said, "there are so many villages in the hills that are yet to see even an iota of development... moreover Darjeeling hills haven't had any panchayat elections for the past 10 years... the state government has not handed over all the departments to GTA... in such a situation for the MP to select a village in the plains which is already more or less developed reeks of opportunism."

He further added, "it is shameful and hurtful that such a noble initiative which could be used to transform a marginalized and deprived village in the hills has been overlooked in favour of a village which sits next to a highway"



CPRM leader Govind Sharma added, "This MP has completely ignored the hills in favour of the plains... and its all right if you are focusing more on the plains as it is also part of Darjeeling district... but choose villages that really need development... not a one which sits next to national highway and already has access to schools, banks, hospitals... if you want to develop... develop those villages where there is no electricity or drinking water or health facilities."

MP Ahluwalia has stated that he will be spending around 24 crores to develop Hatighisa as a model village and transform it.

Speaking on the issue, Upendra an eminent political observer from the hills said, "see its all a matter of timing... with Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad elections round the corner, BJP is trying to make its presence felt in the plains... Going by the Votes polled in the MP elections... this time around BJP has a very good chance of forming boards at both SMC and SMP... given this it is but natural for them to be trying to strengthen their base in the plains..."

Moreover he adds, "Hatighisa is emotionally linked to numerous people in the plains due to its association with Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal led Naxalite movement... so I see it as a very politically astute move... this will help BJP to consolidate Kamtapuri/Rajbanshi and Adivasi votes and at the same time it will send a message to other voters in the plains that BJP is serious about developing the region"

But he added, "this does not mean that Darjeeling MP will completely neglect the hills... as far as I remember he has already said that he will pick one village from the plains and one from the hills... lets wait and see which village he picks up from the hills. "

Darjeeling is one of the most complicated constituencies in terms of its geographical and socio-political equations, but if genuine effort is made to develop this region, then the people across the board, from the hills to the plains will stand as one and cooperate.

READ MORE

DDUDF takes up Tea, Cinchona and Jelep la Issues with Commerce and Industry Minister

6:08 PM

•

Politics

The DDUDF Founder Trustee Prof Mahendra P Lama had a detail discussion meeting with Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce and Industry at her office in Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi. The meeting mainly centred round issues on Darjeeling and Dooars Tea industry and the implementation of minimum wages act in these tea gardens. In this regard she mentioned that the minimum wages act have already been implemented by their respective governments in the tea growing areas in South India. In the course of discussion it was quite clear that it is West Bengal government which has to implement the minimum wages act in the tea gardens. However both the Left Front led Government and the present Trinamul Party led government are not interested and unwilling to implement this vital act because of reasons not known. She also mentioned that 17 tea gardens in Dooars and Darjeeling which are dysfunctional at the moment are being revived on an urgent basis. She also mentioned that in the Guwahati meeting with the trade union which she attended in October 2014 there was just one representative from whole of Darjeeling tea industry. She mentioned that the Union Government is very keen to implement minimum wages act in the whole of tea industry including in Darjeeling and Dooars. The pressure has not been created for this purpose at the state level.

Dr. Mahendra P Lama Meets Minister Nirmala Sitharaman - Takes up Tea, Cinchona and Jelep la Issues

Prof Lama also apprised her of how Nathu la Trade route was reopened after 44 years in 2006 and what benefits it could bring to the people of the region. In this context the popular demand of the people of North Bengal to reopen the Jelep la trade route which was more vibrant and prolific was also emphasised upon. Minister did mention that her Ministry would look into the entire gamut of issues.

There was also a brief discussion on the present poor state of Cinchona plantation and urgent need to revive the same as one of the modern industries based on traditional medicinal practices. In this regard, the demand made in the Memorandum was also discussed.

The DDUDF also demanded that the incentive given to the industrial set up in the North East region since 2007 should be extended to Darjeeling and Dooars till at least 2017. The Minister has assured to look into the matter. The DDUDF invited her to visit Darjeeling and Dooars in near future.

The DDUDF submitted to the Minister a comprehensive note on these issues.

[DDUDF PR]

READ MORE

“Present Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament” - DDUDF Chief Dr. M P Lama

11:04 AM

•

Politics

“Protest Alone Won’t Suffice – Present Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament” Says Dr. Lama

Labelling the proposed GJM rally and dharana in Delhi in support of Gorkhaland statehood as being a mere Gimmick, DDUDF Chief Dr. M P Lama has challenged GJM to pressure BJP into placing Gorkhaland bill in the parliament.

DDUDF Chief Dr. M P Lama

Speaking to the reporters Dr. Lama said, “both of the so called andolan for Gorkhaland have remained confined to the hills and those rushing in to sign interim arrangements like DGHC and GTA with Bengal have made it even more difficult for us to achieve statehood”

He further said that “unless and until we put enough pressure on Darjeeling MP to bring forth Gorkhaland bill in the parliament, nothing will be achieved from various dharanas and protests.”

He said, “people of Darjeeling have supported BJP only for Gorkhaland and the fact that BJP is not taking any initiatives towards Gorkhaland statehood reflects two things i) BJP does not give a hoot about GJM and Gorkhaland demand or ii) GJM has been unable to impress upon the Centre the need for forming Gorkhaland... both of which are detrimental to Gorkhalis living across India.”

He did not mince his words when it came to so called “intellectuals” from our community, he said, “I am shocked at the silence maintained by our educated, thinking, intellectuals who have chosen to keep mum over the Gorkhaland issue and also the Identity Crisis faced by Gorkhalis.”

He has requested Darjeeling MP SS Ahaluwalia to focus on mobilizing people for Gorkhaland, instead of cleaning walls and drains...

Source: DC

READ MORE

Seminar on Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty Held in Kalimpong

11:17 AM

•

Politics

Clearing the Air Surrounding Article 7 of Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty

A seminar jointly organized by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) and DDUDF was held in Kalimpong Town Hall to discuss the ramifications of Article 7 of Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty and the ensuing identity crisis felt by the Indian Gorkhalis.

Seminar on Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty Held in Kalimpong

Many experts have opined that the question of ‘identity’ plaguing Indian Gorkhas is mostly emanated from the Article 7 of the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) which reads, “The Governments of India and Nepal agree to grant, on a reciprocal basis, to the nationals of one country in the territories of the other the same privileges in the matter of residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and other privileges of a similar nature,” which makes it difficult to identify the Indian citizens of Nepali ethnicity Vs. the Nepali citizens who have immigrated to India for work and livelihood purposes.

The seminar which lead by a discussion panel that consisted of DDUDF Chief Dr. Mahendra P Lama, Bhatariya Gorkha Parisangh National President Dr Enos Das Pradhan, Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri, Brig. C S Thapa (retd) and Col D S Kharga from Dehradun, Mr. B B Chettri from Meghalaya, BGP Spokesperson Mr Nityananda Upadhaya from Assam, and Mr Pashupati Sharma in the panel, saw participation from people from across party lines, civic organizations, NGOs, and common people.

The discussion basically centred around the proposed amendments via a working paper (developed by Dr. Mahendra P Lama) that need to be implemented and contained on various suggestions regarding the amendment of the treaty which could clearly demarcate the difference between Indian Gorkhas and Nepali citizens.

Highlighting the difference between “Citizenship and Identity” Dr. Mahendra P Lama said, that citizenship is a technical issue, where as identity is a political issue and hence need to be look at from different lenses. He further said that the formation of Gorkhaland statehood would solve both the technical and political issues facing the Indian Gorkhas altogether.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. H B Chettri said that the issues raised in this seminar were pertinent and finding solutions to the questions posed in the forum was of utmost importance for protecting the future of Gorkhalis in India. He further stressed that all the political and non-political groups needed to come together to address these issues and that everyone needs to do all they can to highlight the Gorkha cause at any and every forum that they have access to.

Dr. Enos Das Pradhan said that the proposed ‘working paper’ was merely a start to answering some of the most pertinent questions facing the Gorkhali community today. He further said that issues such as “identity” that are of national importance need to be addressed in a unified manner, and that all the Gorkhalis across India need to speak with one voice to address these issues.

Over all the seminar was focused on requesting all the political and non-political entities to come together in the struggle for Gorkhaland statehood, and for all Gorkhas across India to speak with one voice when it came to Gorkha issue.

Source: DC
[Pic: Animesh Rai Via: Darjeeling DarjeelingTimes.com - Darjeeling News]

READ MORE

BGP to hold National Seminar and Interactive Sesson on Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950

3:49 PM

•

Politics

Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP), the national umbrella social organisation has initiated a process of holding the first NATIONAL SEMINAR AND INTERACTIVE SESSION  on Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 on Sunday the 2nd November 2014 at 11.00 AM at Kalimpong Town Hall. Dr. Mahendra P Lama (DDUDF Founder President), Mr. B. B. Chhetri, President, Meghalaya State Unit of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Brig (Retd) C. S. Thapa a well known Gorkha author and thinker from Dehradun, Mr. Somen Nag, Political observer from Siliguri, Shri R. B. Rai, Former MP, Smt. Dil Kumari Bhandari, former MP will form the panel for interactive session.

Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh president Enos Das Pradhan

The Indian Prime Minister agreed to the idea of reviewing and revising the Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950 and the challenge before every Indian is to have a broad-based discussion and make the provisions of the Treaty that would go along the needs of the 21st Century.

Both India and Nepal would tread the path of reviewing / revising / abrogating the 1950 Treaty on the basis of each nation's larger national interest. On the other hand, for the India Gorkhas it is high time to ensure that this Treaty either had a complete safeguard for the fostering of political and constitutional identity of the Indian Gorkhas or has an exclusive arrangement for durable solution to their protracted demand of keeping them separate from the floating population that crosses border under the provisions of the 9150 Treaty.

Do the Indian Gorkhas aspire for resolutions of these issues within the Treaty or outside the Treaty? If it is within, then what kinds of provisions are to be added to the existing Treaty. And if they want solutions outside the framework of the Treaty what kind of arrangement is needed. All these require a comprehensive and wider national discussions and deliberations.

Kindly attend and encourage your students, colleagues, members of your organisations to attend and participate at this Seminar. If you don't You will be missing a great opportunity in the history of this land.to deliberate on this very critical issue in a single forum. Let the nation hear ONE VOICE of Gorkhas on this issue.

Source: Enos Das Pradhan

READ MORE

DDUDF organisational meeting in Kurseong

10:22 AM

•

Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Forum, (DDUDF), an apolitical organisation in the region, today organized its organisational meeting at Gorkha Jan Pustakalay in Kurseong. The meeting was called to make people aware that the DDUDF is still active and is still focused and working for the overall interest of the people of the Hills.

The DDUDF chief Dr. Mahindra P Lama talking
to reporters after the meeting in Kurseong on Saturday

The meeting in Kurseong today was DDUDF’s first meeting after several months. The meeting had the presence of large number of supporters and foundation activists from Kurseong and other places in the hills.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, DDUDF chief Dr. Mahendra P Lama said that today’s meeting was held to inform the people about the organisation’s activities following the Lok Sabha election debacle. He also highlighted the various programmes decided to be organised by the DDUDF in future.

Dr. Lama informed his organization has already written letters to different union ministers on various issues including demand for a separate state and three-tier panchayat elections.

“Had we won the elections, the scenario would have been different by now. However, we have still continued to work and many issues that we have demanded are being considered or initiated, directly or indirectly by the state and the central government,” Dr. Lama claimed. Citing examples, he further claimed, Mansarovar development project, issue of Jalep la Pass, Bagdogra international airport, Red Bank tea estate issue and many more were initially proposed by him. “I will continue to work for these issues for the betterment of the Hills,” he emphasised.

As per Dr. Lama, his organization is still working for the overall interest of the people and people must come forward with their different issues and grievances. His organization is always ready to help them.

Speaking on the GTA, Dr.Lama said, “In India, different institutions have their own budget, policy and plan but it is really surprisingly that such a government authorized organisation like the GTA is running without budget, policy and plan. If they really have such provisions, then they must publicise it, so that people may have a better prospective about the GTA’s activities.”

Dr. Lama also criticized the GJM‘s proposed Delhi dharna programs and said the party had staged several dharna in Delhi in the past, without any major success. “Therefore, they must publicize the outcome of the previous dharna staged in Delhi, so that people can know what actually is happening,” he added.  “What is the need to stage dharnas in Delhi, when they have their own MP and their own government in the centre? They could instead simply bring the bill for a separate state in the parliament when their ally is running the country,” Dr. Lama suggested.

Source: Eoi

READ MORE

DDUDF writes to Prime Minister for immediate inquiry and justice in Visva-Bharati case

12:11 PM

•

Sikkim

Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) , while strongly condemning the incident of sexual harassment of a Sikkimese girl student at Visva-Bharati University, has asked for immediate inquiry and also urgent justice to the victim and the affected family. It has demanded the most stringent and potent punishment to the perpetrators, so that it acts as a deterrent in future. The DDUDF in its letter addressed to the President of India (the highest authority in the Central University system), has requested for his urgent and effective intervention in this case.

DDUDF Logo

Quoting the Times of India (Calcutta Edition, dated Saturday, 30 August 2014) under the headline caption “Pressured into Not Filing Cop Complaint”, the DDUDF said if the news item is factually correct and true, then the Vice Chancellor of Vishwa Bharati University has no moral right to continue as the Vice Chancellor of a prestigious national University. “The news item very clearly denotes that the VC has been indifferent, insensitive, partial and inhuman in the handling of the entire case,” the DDUDF press release read. The forum also requests for the immediate dismissal of the Vice Chancellor if the newspaper report and the account given by the father of the victim is correct.

The DDUDF has further demanded recommendation of the Bezbaruah Committee Report, submitted a couple of weeks back to the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has also urged the President of India to make Darjeeling and Dooars a member of the North Eastern Council, so that the students are also covered under the statutes recommended by the Bezbaruah Committee in future.

The forum has also forwarded the copy of the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the Chancellor of the University, and Minister of Human Resources Development Smriti Irani and Chairman, University Grants Commission.

The DDUDF has also appealed to all the students of Vishwa Bharati University, particularly from the Northeast region including Darjeeling and Dooars, to remain calm and handle this difficult situation with maturity and as per the legal provisions and norms of the country.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

‘GJM did not make inroads,’ says GTF, will take statehood demand to Delhi

11:39 AM

•

Politics

The Gorkhaland Task Force, which had been lying low following the formation of Gorkhaland Joint Action Force last year, has sprung into action yet again. The GTF, formed under the aegis of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh and constituting of various political and apolitical organizations, conducted a meeting on Monday in Kalimpong. The meeting attended by Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, Gorkha Rastriya Nirman Morcha and Darjeeling Dooars United Development Forum leaders decided to unify and take ahead the statehood movement.

 GTF, will take statehood demand to Delhi

BGP president Dr. Anos Das Pradhan, GTF Chairman Sukhman Moktan, DDUDF founder and president Dr. Mahindra P Lama and GRNM representatives attended the meeting.  The GTF member organizations have decided to prepare a delegation to visit Delhi and meet the BJP-led Central leaders to put pressure on them on the statehood demand.

Dr. Pradhan informed the task force would take the plan ahead only after the national level working committee meeting of the Gorkha Rastriya Parisangh in Delhi. “During the meeting the prepared dossier will be discussed and the plan ahead will be formulated. The meeting is also expected to discuss about a new approach to the statehood demand and for restarting the movement afresh,” he added. After the working committee meeting, the GTF delegation will meet Central leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh separately and inform them about the task force’s plan.

“We waited for the GJM to take the Gorkhaland talks ahead with the Centre for three months, yet the party did not make any inroads. Therefore, we have decided to take the initiative on our own,” Dr. Pradhan declared. The GTF has decided to hold the meeting with the Prime Minister and home minister in the presence of Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia. “Ahluwalia is an elected representative of the people of the hills. Therefore, he has to help us in this initiative,” the BGP president stated. He further informed the GTF has already written an email to the MP seeking his help in getting the appointment with the central big-wigs. Further the task force will also approach the GJM leadership to take part in the initiative.

Citing the recently initiated talks between India and Nepal on the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty, Dr. Pradhan urged the Centre to work for the uplift and welfare of Indian Gorkhas as well. He said the commission set up by the Indian government to hold the talks should also include an Indian Gorkha representative. “We will discuss all these issues during our meeting with the prime minister,” Dr. Pradhan claimed.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950 - DDUDF press release

12:11 AM

•

Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) has issued a press release on the issue of the review of India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950. This Treaty was highlighted during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Nepal a fortnight ago.

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF)

Release has stated that several crucial issues between India and Nepal were discussed during the just concluded successful visit of the Prime Minster of India to Nepal. In many significant issues some concrete decisions were taken as a way forward. Among these issues, the issues related to India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty signed in 1950 were also discussed. This Treaty has always wrongly touched the sentiments of the Indian Gorkhas and has also adversely affected them in many ways. From the Nepalese side there has been plethora of demands either to review or to revise or even to abrogate this Treaty since last two to three decades. In the 1990s also various media reports did mention that the Nepal Government had some concrete proposals to place before the Indian Government on the replacement of this 1950 Treaty.

It states that Nepal as a sovereign nation looks at and treats this Treaty from a perspective that is different from the specific national security perspective of India. On the other hand, the Indian Gorkhas look at this Treaty from the view point of a bilateral arrangement which has adversely affected their political identity and Indian nationality. This is because Article 7 and 8 of the Treaty permit unrestricted movement of each other’s citizens into each other territory on a reciprocal basis. Not only this, many of the rights and privileges which are actually only meant for its own citizens have also been extended to these floating population on both sides of the border.

Release adds that this arrangement that promotes free flow of people from Nepal through the entire stretch of 1751 km open border and their settlements in different parts of India have rather adversely affected the Indian Gorkhas as their Indian identity and nationality get diluted because of the presence of the people with similar culture and language but of Nepalese nationalities. This dilution has been further confounded and the experience of discrimination has been much bitter as the Indian Gorkhas unlike other major ethnic groups in the country do not have their own State in India. Though the Indian Gorkhas have raised these issues in several national forums there has been no durable and permanent solution to this highly emotive issue.
Though at the heart of the Gorkhaland Movement of 1980s in Darjeeling was this issue of confusion and dilution of political identities of the Indian Gorkhas, the tripartite agreement leading to the setting up of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988 did not provide any durable and permanent solution to this critical issue that engulf and persecute the Indian Gorkhas. The recognition of Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992 after four decade long protracted struggle by the Indian Gorkhas also could not satisfy the Indian Gorkhas in terms of establishing their Indian identity. Therefore, today also one of the foremost demands of the Indian Gorkhas is a durable and permanent solution to the question of their national identity which is constantly under threat and vulnerable because of the provisions and arrangements in the 1950 Treaty.

Further it adds that when Indian Prime Minster agreed to the idea of reviewing and revising this Treaty, the challenge is to have a broad based discussion and make the provisions of the Treaty that would go along the needs of the 21st century. Both India and Nepal would tread the path of reviewing / revising / abrogating the 1950 Treaty on the basis of each nation’s larger national interest. On the other hand , for the Indian Gorkhas it is high time to ensure that this Treaty either has a complete safeguard for the fostering of political and constitutional identity of the Indian Gorkhas or has an exclusive arrangement for durable solution to their protracted demand of keeping them separate from the floating population that crosses border under the provisions of the 1950 Treaty. This is the time for addressing the question of how the Indian Gorkhas ensure their deserving and exclusive Indian identity and how the Indian Gorkhas get recognition and commendations for their contributions to the building of modern India. Do the Indian Gorkhas aspire for resolutions of these issues within the Treaty or outside the Treaty ? If it is within, then what kinds of provisions are to be added to the existing Treaty. And if they want solutions outside the framework of the Treaty what kind of arrangement is needed. All these require a comprehensive and wider national discussions and deliberations.
The release has asked that how long does it take for effecting such changes in the 1950 Treaty ? How does the Indian Gorkhas get representation and their voices in the impending constitution of high level committee/commission to examine and review this Treaty ? What do the Indian Gorkhas discuss in this Commission ? What kind of durable solution would be suggested by the Indian Gorkhas before this Committee/Commission ? All these need to deliberated upon threadbare and meaningfully at various forums of Indian Gorkhas all across India and outside also. This is a great opportunity and appropriate moment for the Indian Gorkhas to push their case.

In a similar move the historic Treaty between India and Bhutan signed in 1949 was also comprehensively revised nearly after 58 years in 2007.

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) has appealed to all the Indian Gorkhas that this is the ultimate attempt by the Indian Gorkhas to really give a final shape to their quest for national identity. It further states that how do the Indian Gorkhas come to a common and united national platform to deliberate on the finer nuances of the issues concerned ? The formidable challenge is for the organisations that have national character like Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh to galvanise and mobilise the opinion form all across the country and put them effectively and resolutely before any of the emerging national Committee/ Commission.

In this regard, it is very essential for the political parties; civil society institutions; social-cultural and other professional organisations; media persons-teachers-industrialists and farmers; sports persons-students-intellectuals and businessmen and the members of parliament and legislative assemblies to come together and deliberate on this very critical issue in a single forum. Besides, they all have to decide on the strategy and further course of action so that a conclusive and durable solution comes out of the entire process, release adds.

In conclusion it has stated that there is no time for the Indian Gorkhas to falter, dither and vacillate on these issues now. Unlike in the past, that is not the moment for them to look at this national issue from a very narrow political party and self-centric individual perspective. DDUDF would like to participate fully and wholeheartedly in this entire process of deliberations and consensus building. In fact, DDUDF unilaterally offers to bring out a comprehensive BASE PAPER in order to take the entire deliberations forward. To provide sound arguments and detail politico-legal information and statistics and firm basis for substantive discussion, this BASE PAPER will deal with history, socio-political dynamics, geographical and demographic dimensions, facets of international relations, the conduct and management of borders, trials-tribulations and harassments and atrocities faced by the Indian Gorkhas and finally the need to have constitutional provisions and a separate state as a durable and permanent solution.

READ MORE

GJM should introduce Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament within a year - Mahindra P Lama

10:05 AM

•

Mahendra P. Lama

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Front (DDUDF) chief Dr. Mahindra P Lama urged the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) to introduce the Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament and has offered assistance for the process. “If the GJM want to prove its worth as the leading party in the hills, it should introduce the Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament. The DDUDF is ready to provide assistance if the party is having any difficulties in making the bill,” Dr. Lama told reporters in Mirik. He was in town today for an official tour of the region to revamp the party’s base after the defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections 2014.

Dr. Lama Tells GJM to Introduce Gorkhaland Bill Within a Year

“Before turning into a political party, the DDUDF will first prove its worth through constructive works,” Dr. Lama emphasised. He claimed there are a lot of foundation stone laying ceremonies taking place in the name of development, but there has not been any actual development in the hills. He alleged the state government of interfering in the Gorkha Territorial Administration’s works in bringing development to the hills.

On the current workers wage issues in TGs across Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai, the DDUDF chief said, “The BJP-led central government will not be able to influence a lot in the wage hike issue, even if the GJM seeks support. Therefore, everyone should press for Minimum Wage Act to increase the daily wages of TG workers.

Dr. Lama urged the GJM and Darjeeling MP to introduce the Darjeeling-Dooars-Terai region into the North Eastern Council. He also question the GJM about the number of times Hill MP SS Ahluwalia has spoken in Lok Sabha or the number of questions he has asked and even the number of times he was present in parliamentary sessions. He also urged the GJM to promote three-tier panchayat elections in the hills.

During his Mirik tour, he visited Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya in Chabbisey and took note of the problems and informed he will soon meet HRDD Minister Smriti Irani and other senior departmental officials to discuss about the issues. He also attended a DDUDF committee-level meeting in Mirik bazaar.

Source:EOI

READ MORE

M.P Lama justified the DDUDF’s 11-point deputation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

9:27 AM

•

Politics

Kalimpong: Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) president Dr. Mahindra P Lama has justified the organisation’s 11-point deputation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an initiative for the development of the hills and the overall welfare of the Gorkha people. Addressing a press meet here today, he said the deputation aims to highlight the Gorkha people’s political ambition, identity and overall development.

DDUDF chief Mahendra P Lama (R) at the
press meet in Kalimpong.

Lama was unable to represent Darjeeling in Parliament, but the deputation sent just after 15 days of Modi taking office was to put pressure on Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia to work for the development of the hills.

The key issue in the deputation includes the demand for a separate state. Lama wants Darjeeling district, the Dooars, Chopra and Islampur integrated to form the proposed state.

“The DDUDF is currently preparing a plan for a separate state keeping in mind the people’s political aspirations and identity, along with its boundaries and name,” Lama informed.

The remaining 10 points in the deputation include the demand for the formation of a high-level committee to accord minority status to the Gorkha community; three-tier panchayat elections in the GTA area; inclusion of Darjeeling and the Dooars in the North Eastern States Council; reopening of the Jalepla trade route; revamping of tea and cinchona production; development of educational and research institutes in Darjeeling and the Dooars; tax holiday for the Darjeeling-Dooars region; encouragement for investment, amendment in forest regulations; and ST status to the Gorkhas.

Lama said the DDUDF had also written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Sauraj for reopening the Jalepla trade route.

“She has responded positively and has assured to look into the issue,” he added.

The organisation also wants the central government to intervene in the daily minimum wage issue of tea garden workers and increase the wage to Rs350 per day, the DDUDF president informed.

“We have written the letter in the form of a guideline. We expect the Darjeeling MP to use the guideline and work for the betterment of the people of the hills. We do not want him to be startled by our aspirations and questions, which is why we have formulated this overtly comprehensive letter,” Lama further explained.

He went on to say that his organisation has demanded the MP to provide timely updates on his activities in the hills.

“We want a half-yearly report on the work done and in the pipeline by the MP along with a detailed account of the usage of the MP fund,” added Lama.

When asked as to when the DDUDF would register itself as a political party, Lama just said the announcement will be made at the appropriate moment.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

Reasons for DDUDF's defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections

9:56 AM

•

Politics

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Front (DDUDF) cited organisational weakness from the grass-root level, the impact of Modi wave across the country and the lack of adequate election funds as the key reasons for its defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections this year. The DDUDF conducted a general body meeting today to address the election debacle and its strategy ahead at the Shyama Devi Hall in the Thakur Bari area of Kalimpong. The meeting was chaired by organisation chief Dr. Mahindra P Lama, in the presence of prominent DDUDF members including Dr. Anosdas Pradhan, P Arjun, Sukman Moktan and R Moktan among various other members.

The DDUDF meeting in progress in Kalimpong on Sunday

Dr. Pradhan, while talking to press after the meeting, informed the apex body formed in collaboration with the BGP and other government and non-government organisation for the elections has been dissolved. “The responsibly for the defeat of DDUDF chief Dr. Mahindar P Lama has been taken by apex committee. The organisation has therefore decided to dissolve the committee,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lama said, “We tried to make the organisation strong in just 5-6 months, which was not adequate. We could also not reach the people from the grassroot level, which was important considering the number of people in rural areas of the hills. We also did not have enough funds to spend for the election as compared to other parties, while the Modi-wave which swept the entire nation also did not help us.” He also rubbished all the rumours about him and his organisation about the defeat and urged the people not to believe such rumours.

Dr. Lama had expected about 2 lakh votes but receive only about a third of the expected numbers. “It is not easy for any other party to secure the amount of votes we secured in just five months, but the votes also made it clear that only 55,000 people believe in change and development,” he analysed. Despite the defeat, the organisation will continue its commitment towards Gorkhaland and will work for its development. “The DDUDF has been formulating strategies and plans to continue its activity in the hills,” Dr Lama added.

The DDUDF chief also said he has not yet decided on forming a separate party and will take a decision on it in future after taking consultation with the stakeholders. “This is not something that can be decided by one person, it would need approval and commitment from everyone involved. We are currently trying to take public opinion and consulting within the organisation. A decision will be taken when the right time comes,” Dr. Lama stressed.

Hitting at the GJM, the DDUDF spokesperson P Arjun said, “Morcha did not win the election on its strength, in fact it was the impact of Modi-wave that helped the BJP candidate win the election this year. Moreover, BJP has never said anything in public regarding the formation of Gorkhaland, yet the GJM has won the election twice in the name of separate state. We have a doubt on the Morcha leadership.”

Source: EOI

READ MORE