Darjeeling Sonada - Two women Assault at police outpost

10:26 AM

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sexual assault

The Darjeeling police have initiated an inquiry into the alleged assault on two women at the Sonada police outpost by an officer.

On March 18, Mary Biswakarma (23) filed a complaint with the Jorebunglow police station stating the officer-in-charge of Sonada police outpost had beaten her up including her sister with a stick.

Talking to reporters today, Mary said there had been a family dispute following which she had written a complaint against her mother on March 17 with the Sonada police. The next day, the two sisters were summoned to the outpost where Mary’s mother was also present. A quarrel ensued inside the outpost between the mother and her daughters (Mary and her 17-year-old sister Neha Biswakarma). All of a sudden, Sonada police outpost OC M Das heckled the siblings and started beating them with a stick after closing the room, alleged Mary.

In response, Das said the father of the sisters had filed a complaint stating his wife had eloped with a man named Bikash Rai on March 17 after which gold ornaments and some cash had gone missing. The police summoned the girls’ mother and Bikash to the outpost and also called the father and sister trio. But as soon as the daughters sighted their mother, they pounced on her and a lady constable had to be called who failed to control the situation. It was then that Das raised his stick in warning, but he did not use it, he claimed.

The OC said a case under section 498A has been filed against the father based on a complaint by his estranged wife who has accused him of torturing her over the past five years. Sections 323, 506 and 34 have also been filed against all the five people following the scuffle inside the outpost.

A senior police official has said an inquiry has started and the matter will soon be resolved.

Source:EOI

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CPRM to support Mahendra P. Lama for the Darjeeling LS seat

9:32 AM

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Mahendra P. Lama

Darjeeling- The CPRM today said it would support Mahendra P. Lama for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, a day after BJP nominee S.S. Ahluwalia had approached the hill party for alliance.

Today, CPRM leaders announced their decision at a press conference along with Lama, while the CPM candidate for the seat, Saman Pathak, was waiting with a letter seeking the party’s support.

Mahendra P. Lama with R.B Rai

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-backed BJP nominee, Ahluwalia, had met the CPRM leaders here yesterday seeking support in an attempt to ensure that the hill votes were not divided. The CPRM leaders had said they would announce their decision on March 23.

“We had three options. One was to support a national party that clearly mentions the word Gorkhaland in its manifesto, second was to support a son of the soil who is committed to the statehood cause and the third was to field our own candidate,” said CPRM general secretary Taramani Rai. “During the meeting with Shri S.S. Ahluwaliaji, it became clear that the BJP would not use the word ‘Gorkhaland’ in its national poll manifesto. That is why we have decided not to support the BJP,” said Rai.

In 2009, the BJP had used words like, “long pending demands of the Gorkhas” would be “sympathetically” considered. This year, too, the party is expected to use similar words.

“We have decided to support Mahendra P. Lama because he has agreed to raise the issue of Gorkhaland in Parliament and if it goes unheard, he has agreed to intensify the statehood demand,” said Rai.

The CPRM is known to have a considerable support.

Lama, an Independent, said he had appealed to the Morcha and GNLF president Subash Ghisingh to support him. “We are not supporting the BJP because the earlier MP Jaswant Singh did not raise the (statehood) issue when Telangana was formed. It is time that the Morcha president also rethinks his decision of supporting the BJP.”

While the press conference was on, CPM leaders Saman Pathak, Ashok Bhattacharya, Jibesh Sarkar and others were waiting to meet the CPRM leaders. Asked about the visit, Pathak merely said: “This is just a courtesy visit.” But Bhattacharya said: “We had also come to seek his (Rai’s) blessing along with an approach letter.”

Rai was heard saying that Pathak was like a relative. “He does not need our support. His party has a lot of supporters.”

Source: Telegraph

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Bimal Gurung has sold statehood cause - M.P Lama

2:35 PM

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Politics

Lama snubs Gurung: ‘He has sold statehood cause’ Lama has reportedly started an extensive campaign against Gurung in the region and the Morcha has reasons to be apprehensive.
Gorkha Janmukti Mocha chief Bimal Gurung came in for scathing criticism from former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University, who is an Independent candidate in Darjeeling, Mahendra P Lama.

Lama snubs Gurung

Responding to Gurung’s appeal to him to join hands with the GJM and support BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia in Darjeeling, Lama said the GJM chief has “sold out the Gorkhaland cause”. “Gurung sold out the Gorkhaland cause long time ago. He is exposed now. Which is why he wants to get support from me to make the BJP candidate win in Darjeeling,” Lama told The Indian Express.

While Gurung’s party has enjoyed a monopoly in the hill politics for the last six years, witnessing landslide victories in the three Assembly constituencies of Darjeeling in 2011, it now seems to be on a shaky ground with several strong candidates in the fray.

Even as the GJM has refused to accord any importance to TMC candidate and star footballer Baichung Bhutia, it party seems rattled with Lama’s influence.

Gurung has on Facebook appealed to Lama to join hands for the “cause” of Gorkhaland. “I would like to specially appeal to Dr Mahendra P. Lama to come out in support of BJP for the sake of the greater cause. Let us set aside all difference and not let go this golden opportunity. I am ready to talk to Dr Lama for the sake of Gorkhaland,” Gurung has posted on the social networking website.

Lama, however, said, “Bimal Gurung has no political ground in Darjeeling. When he realised that I will sweep the polls, he wants me to withdraw from the fray and support him. The people of Darjeeling are in favour of my candidature.”

Lama said he would hold a meeting with Gurung on three conditions: A written assurance from Gurung that the Morcha would support Lama’s candidature; withdrawal of support from the BJP; and it would fight for separate statehood and not settle down for any other arrangement.
“I will talk to him (Gurung) on separate statehood, on inclusion of Darjeeling in the north-eastern council, and on introducing three-tier panchayat system in Darjeeling,” added Lama. Lama has already held more then 100 public meetings in several remote and interior parts in the hills. Political observers said he has started an extensive campaign against Gurung in the region and the Morcha has reasons to be apprehensive about him.

Lama is at present the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. He authored the First Plan of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1989, First Sikkim Human Development Report in 2001; Nathu la Trade Report in 2005 and First Economic Survey of Sikkim in 2007.

Source:Indian Express

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SS Ahluwalia met CPRM president RB Rai

12:49 AM

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Politics

Darjeeling, March 20: SS Ahluwalia, BJP candidate for Darjeeling constituency, started its election campaign today by extending its hand to local political party CPRM. Ahluwalia today went to his old friend Mr. R B Rai, president of CPRM at his residence cum office in Darjeeling town, who is sick for last few days. Alhuwalia was a Rajya Sabha MP in 1986 while RB Rai was also a Rajya Sabha MP in the year 1989. Two friends met briefly and recalled how SS Ahluwalia helped them in the agitation of Language recognition in the 90's. Following the brief meeting of two friends, Ahluwalia held a 45 minutes meeting with CPRM leaders.

SS Ahluwalia met CPRM president RB Rai in Darjeeling

After the meeting CPRM spokesperson Gobind Chettri said we have placed our terms and condition in front of the BJP candidate, if he agree on that, we will hold a central committee meeting, followed by an election committee meeting, where we will decide our final decision on March 23. He also expressed that CPRM want the demand of Gorkhaland in their manifesto and in case of majority in Parliament this time there must be a solution for Gorkhaland. 

Morcha leaders Binay Tamang and Raju Pradhan escorted Mr. SS Ahluwalia to the CPRM office, however, they did not attend the meeting held there.

Mr. Ahluwalia is likely to have rented house in Hermitage Road.

SOURCE: DT [Input from Reza Pradhan]

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Darjeeling BJP seeks EC intervention for political vendeta by TMC

11:16 PM

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Trinamool Congress

Alleging misuse of administrative machinery by Trinamool Congress, BJP today sought "urgent intervention" of Election Commission of India to prevent the arrest of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leaders and supporters who are supporting BJP's candidate S S Ahluwalia in Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency in West Bengal. 

BJP's candidate S S Ahluwalia in Darjeeling Lok Sabha

In a letter to ECI, BJP has alleged that after the announcement of the alliance between the party and GJM and of the candidature of Ahluwalia for Darjeeling seat, West Bengal government has unleashed a reign of terror in the area. 

"During the last few days, the Darjeeling Police issued more than 600 warrants against GJM leaders and cadres pertaining to cases that were registered during the Gorkhaland agitation," it said. 

BJP has accused the Darjeeling Superintendent of Police of falsely claiming to the media that the drive to issue arrest warrants is under the order of the Election Commission. 

Terming it as "an act of political vendeta by TMC/state government against GJM for entering into an alliance with BJP, the party has requested the EC to take suitable action. 

"We request you to have the matter looked into, appropriate enquiries made, and thereafter suitable action be taken against the TMC/Bengal government and the district and police officials responsible for the illegal and politically motivated act of issuing arrest warrants against GJM leaders and cadres in violation of the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement signed on July 18, 2011, the letter to EC said.

Source:business-standard

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BJP's stand point on Gorkhaland - not to commit anything !

10:46 PM

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Politics

Darjeeling: Political compulsion is always strong enough to soften rigid ideological standpoint - especially if it becomes an issue of election chemistry. BJP and its stand point on separate statehood for Darjeeling hills in West Bengal is a burning example. 

BJP not to commit anything on ‘Gorkhaland’ statehood issue 

BJP advocates in favour of smaller states throughout the whole country as its common policy. But, it is not going to make any clear commitment in its election manifesto to allow separate statehood for Darjeeling- as it is being demanded in the name of 'Gorkhaland.' 

But at the same time, BJP needs to keep the pro-separatist force Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM), the strongest political power in Darjeeling, in own side. In Darjeeling constituency, GJM is the partner of BJP for its heavy weight candidate and Vice president Mr. S S Ahluwalia. 

"We have mentioned in our 2009 election manifesto about our commitment to 'consider' the 'aspiration and expectation' of hills people 'sympathetically.' This time also it will be so," said Mr. Ahluwalia. Clear enough, the party is not going to commit anything in black and white in favour of Gorkhaland formation. 

In 2009, despite faint footprint of BJP in Darjeeling, its top leader Mr. Jaswant Singh won from there with margin of 1.5 lakh- only due to overwhelming support of GJM. BJP is following the same formula this time too for Mr. Ahluwalia. 

But, at its rapid growth phase in West Bengal now, BJP is not at all ready to cause any displeasure of lion's share of voters in most of the constituencies out of 42 seats in the state who are clearly against any split within the state. Moreover, out of 14.15 lakh voters in Darjeeling constituency, though majority of 6.11 lakh voters from hilly areas are hardcore supporters of Gorkhaland statehood, rest 8 lakh voters from plains are mostly against that. 

Keeping this in mind, Mr. Ahluwalia added, "In democracy, while it is not unconstitutional for a party to demand for separate state. At the same time, it is not unfair for another part of populace to think in other way," he added. 

However, as it is being done this time with Mr. Ahluwalia, GJM projected Mr. Jaswant Singh too in 2009 in front of common hill dwellers as Darjeeling's ambassador to fight in favour of 'Gorkhaland.' But as per record, only 2 out of 18 debates he took part in during his 5 years long tenure had any relevance to Darjeeling. He did not raise any question or private member bill during this long period. "We may have to witness a repetition of the same picture again," saying many hill dwellers now. 

Source:economictimes

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BJP Ahluwalia camp had approached GNLF - Subash Ghishing

10:33 AM

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Subash Ghising

GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh today claimed that Darjeeling’s BJP Lok Sabha candidate S.S. Ahluwalia’s camp had contacted his party seeking support.

Ghisingh waves at his supporters from his house
 in Darjeeling on Wednesday. 

Ghisingh, who returned to his house on Dr Zahir Hussain Road here for the first time after May 16, 2011, said all political parties were getting in touch with him.

“All the parties are contacting me. Trinamul has contacted, the CPM has contacted, Mahendra P. Lama had contacted and someone from the Ahluwalia camp had also contacted one of my party leaders. Ahluwalia did not speak to me personally,” Ghisingh said today adding: “Ahluwalia is already booked.”

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is supporting the BJP candidate for the hill seat.

Ahluwalia, however, denied contacting Ghisingh’s party. “The whole world, even the sun and the moon, know that the GJM is supporting me. In such a circumstance, why should I or any one from my camp or even the party, contact someone inimical to the GJM.”

Today, Ghisingh got a rousing reception from his supporters in Darjeeling with party workers chanting “appa (father) zindabad! Subash Ghisingh zindabad,” when he reached his house around 3.45pm. While addressing the supporters from his balcony, Ghisingh said: “Now see what all will happen in the hills. I have come here to stay permanently. I am the same old Ghisingh, not a Ghisingh created by the media.”

Speaking to journalists later, Ghisingh said his party would decide on its stand on fielding candidates after a central committee meeting. “We will hold a central committee meeting followed by a public meeting where we will disclose our party’s stand. Let the nomination and the scrutiny get over. Unless that is over, we cannot be sure because the candidate we back might have his nomination rejected,” he said.

The hill leader’s tone hinted that he might go with Trinamul, an alliance that could give a tough fight to the BJP-Morcha alliance here. “The CPM is talking about some special Sixth Schedule. I don’t know what kind of Sixth Schedule they are talking about. The Congress has not contacted us and I don’t know if they are even there in Bengal,” he said.

While releasing their hill manifesto, the CPM had said they would give more teeth to the Sixth Schedule draft formulated by Ghisingh and make it stronger.

Today, Ghisingh sounded confident of his support base. “This kind of support was not there even in the 1980s (when he started the Gorkhaland agitation). More than 60 per cent people are with us. I had earlier said the hills would once again be green (GNLF colour). The hills are green now and I did not have to lambast anyone or do anything for this,” he said. “No one knows about Gorkhaland more than me.”

Terming the GTA a body “under hanging position”, Ghisingh said: “Everyone knows about the Morcha. I don’t have to comment on them.”

Ghisingh had left Darjeeling on July 26, 2008, after a Morcha activist had been killed by a bullet allegedly fired from a GNLF leader’s house. He had returned to Darjeeling on April 8, 2011 but left for Jalpaiguri on May 16, 2011, after alleged GNLF supporters killed another Morcha activist. Last year, Ghisingh shifted from Jalpaiguri to Matigara, Siliguri.

Source:Telegraph

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Siubash Ghishing back, with TMC blessings

4:02 AM

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Trinamool Congress

Darjeeling - After five years of forced “exile”, GNLF chief Subash Ghishing returned to Darjeeling Wednesday, welcomed by the Trinamool Congress which is optimistic this would help end the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s monopoly of the hills.

Many see the surprise return as yet another sign of the hills heading for multi-party democracy. Before the GJM, it was Ghishing’s GNLF that monopolised politics here. The polls this time were already looking different from previous ones with a number of strong contenders, all of whom are campaigning vigorously.

The GJM had prevented Ghishing from staying in the hills for the last five years but for a brief interlude during the 2011 assembly polls when he camped there. GJM leaders say he has not come back of his own but been brought back by the Trinamool to dent the support base of the GJM.

Ghishing made it clear he is seeking ro revive his political career. Received by around 400 GNLF workers at his home, he held a meeting with them and asserted himself. “I am the original Subash Ghishing. And this time I will stay,” he said. “The Gorkha Territorial Authority is in its dying stages. We have to revive the Sixth Schedule demand and find the file that was lost.”
Delighted, Trinamool leaders have sent Ghishing a proposal to support its candidate. “We want to build an anti-GJM group here and we need Ghishing for that. We have requested him to support the Trinamool candidate. We are ready to ally with his party. Mamata di has always wanted the one-party hill politics to open up,” said Rajen Mukhiya, Trinamool district president.
Ashok Bhattacharya, former CPM minister, said, “It is as transparent as water that Ghishing has been brought to the hills by the Trinamool. The TMC, which earlier criticised Ghishing and said the CPM colluded with GNLF and destroyed Darjeeling, has now joined hands with the same Ghishing. Ghishing would not have stayed there if he had not been provided political shelter. But we welcome him as we want a democratic atmosphere.”

Ghising is yet to make it clear whether he will field a candidate of his own or support the Trinamool’s Bhaichung Bhutia. “We have not decided whom we will support,” said Ghishing . In 2011, Ghishing fielded candidates in three assembly constituencies and each finished second.
S S Ahluwalia, the BJP candidate, too reached Darjeeling Wednesday. “The demand for Gorkhaland is justified. We will look into it,” he said. He held a meeting with leaders of the GJM, which is supporting him.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung, meanwhile, posted on Facebook: “This year’s Lok Sabha election is now clearly divided between those who are supporting Gorkhaland and those who are against the demand. This election is not about local issues but about our long standing demand of Gorkhaland. The BJP is expected to come to power and they have already decided to support our cause. This is a golden opportunity as a government which is set to come in power is supporting our long cherished demand. I, want to appeal to all the Gorkhaland loving people to unite for the sake of Gorkhaland.”

Source:indianexpress

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BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia reached Darjeeling - supports Gorkhaland

3:46 AM

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Live News

BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia reached Darjeeling on Wednesday . “The demand for Gorkhaland is justified. We will look into it,” he said. He held a meeting with leaders of the GJM, which is supporting him.

BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia in Darjeeling

"The BJP has always supported creation of smaller states as Jharkhand and Chattisgarh and was in favour of Telangana and so Gorkhaland should also be formed", Ahluwalia told reporters here.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung posted following status in The Facebook  

"I welcome BJP vice-president and nominee for the Darjeeling LS seat, S S Ahluwalia to Darjeeling.
Today in a press conference he voiced his support to the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland.
He said that the BJP has always supported creation of smaller states as Jharkhand and Chattisgarh and was in favour of Telangana and so Gorkhaland should also be formed.
In a press conference in Siliguri he said that the BJP is in favour of creating smaller states for better administration.
The BJP has always maintained that the problems and concerns of both the Gorkhas and the tribals here will be considered sympathetically.
He has also said the People, who are against the division of the state have the constitutional right to oppose, but at the same time the Gorkhas by demanding a separate state are also not asking for anything unconstitutional.
Thank you for your support for our century old demand."

"Till I am alive, I will not give an inch of land this way. In the interest of politics, the land cannnot be ceded this way. If you think that you will play the same game as you did in Andhra Pradesh, you will not succeed" - Mamata Banerjee on BJP vice-president and nominee for the Darjeeling LS seat S S Ahluwalia's support for the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland in Darjeeling today.

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Subash Ghishing returns to Darjeeling

5:26 PM

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Subash Ghising

Darjeeling 19-March-2014 - After all the speculations and rumors in the past, finally,  Subash Ghishing, GNLF Suprimo, returns to his home Darjeeling taking everyone by surprise even his own followers.Soon after he left Siliguri for Darjeeling his supporters gathered for his welcome all along the Hill Cart Road.

Subash Ghishing returns to Darjeeling

Despite keeping it all secret that Ghishing will come to Darjeeling today a huge number of GNLF supporters from different parts of Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong,Kurseong has gather to welcome him.

After a long long time GNLF Chief Subash Ghisingh come back to his abandoned house in Darjeeling.

Ghishing addressed huge crowd of his followers ghatherd around his residence in Darjeeling and declared to hold a (Jan Sabha) public meeting very soon.He told his supportes to wait and watch the color of Darjeeling change as Ghishing has returned to Darjeeling now.

The return of the GNLF Supremo Subash Ghisingh in the hills certainly indicates the political importance of the hills. Loksasha elections 2014 is right at the door, he has now become the man of importance in the hills, he has been already approached by the leading regional and hills political parties. Subash Ghisingh is likely to disclose his next step very soon in the political arena of the hills, now considered the decisive factor for the upcoming Loksassbha elections of Darjeeling constituency.

Indian Gorkhas Exclusive

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Subash Ghisingh on his way to Darjeeling - Securities tightened

2:30 PM

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Subash Ghising

Subash Ghishing who had ruled Darjeeling for 21 long years has returned to his home again.
Heavy securities on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri as the GNLF Supremo Subash Ghisingh is already on his way to Darjeeling. Securities are on high alert in and around Darjeeling Hill.

Subash Ghisingh on his way to Darjeeling - Securities tightened

It is witnessed, gradually GNLF supporters are gathering with traditional vessels and flowers which are kept at every bend of the hill cart road. Excited GNLF supporters are chanting and waving green flags all over Hill Cart Road.Party source in the morning said that Ghising will be in Darjeeling by 3 pm in the afternoon.

Answering to the reporters on his way to Darjeeling after quite a long time Ghishing. GNLF supremo, said that all the parties and candidates like  Dr Mahendra p Lama, Trinamool, CPI-m in the hills are seeking GNLF's support for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election and his party would taken a decision on Lok Sabha election after a meeting very soon.

Vehicle escorting Ghishing in Kakjhora Darjeeling

TMC leadership have already approached Ghishing for his support to Bhaichung Bhutia a Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate for Lok Sabha Election 2014  from Darjeeling constituency. However, GNLF supremo Subash Ghishing had earlier said that he will clear the air on his party’s stance on the Lok Sabha elections only after he returns to Darjeeling. Therefore all eyes on Ghishing now as it is expected that he will soon declare whom his party will support in the upcoming Lok Sabha election

Indian Gorkhas Exclusive

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Bimal Gurung appeals Dr Mahendra P. Lama to support BJP

1:48 PM

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Mahendra P. Lama

GJM chief Bimal Gurung appeals  Dr Mahendra P. Lama an independent candidate to come forward and support BJP in this Lok Sabha (2014) election in Darjeeling constituency.Feeling the heat this time around in Darjeeling for Lok Sabha seat, GJM chief , Gurung calls for unity in the hill for the sake of Gorkhaland and support BJP as he says "BJP is expected to come to power and they have already decided to support our cause. ".

Bimal Gurung appeals Dr Mahendra P. Lama to support BJP

However, this is the same GJM party who in the recent past had suspended Mr P Arjun, then prominent member of the party's intellectual wing, when he came out and supported  Dr Mahendra P. Lama.This is for the first time in the history of Darjeeling that Lok Sabha votes will be divided hugely.The move of GJM to appeal Dr M P. Lama to support BJP could be the result of this division of votes in the Darjeeling hill.

Bimal Gurung came up withe the following Facebook update :-

"This year's Lok Sabha election is now clearly divided between those who are supporting Gorkhaland and those who are against the demand.

This election is not about local issues but about our long standing demand of Gorkhaland. The BJP is expected to come to power and they have already decided to support our cause. This is a golden opportunity as a government which is set to come in power is supporting our long cherished demand.

I, want to appeal to all the Gorkhaland loving people to unite to the sake of Gorkhaland.
I would like to specially appeal to Dr Mahendra P. Lama to come out in support of BJP for the sake of the greater cause. Let us set aside all difference and not let go this golden opportunity. I am ready to talk to Dr Lama for the sake of Gorkhaland."

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Darjeeling - GJM and other Hill parties walk out of meeting called by SDO

10:44 AM

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Siliguri

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and other political parties based in the hills today walked out of a meeting convened by the Darjeeling sub divisional officer to discuss the preparations for elections to protest the decision to count votes only in Siliguri.

Lok Sabha Election Darjeeling

Traditionally, two counting centres are set up for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, one in the hill town for three Assembly segments in the hills and the other in Siliguri for four Assembly constituencies in the plains.

Puneet Yadav, the district magistrate of Darjeeling, had earlier said the counting centre would not be set up in Darjeeling as St Joseph’s School (North Point) had refused permission to use its playground for the purpose citing a high court order in the institute’s favour. The Darjeeling counting centre was always set up on the North Point ground.

The representatives of the hill parties were officially told about the administration’s decision at the meeting today. Raju Pradhan, the assistant general secretary of the Morcha, said: “All the parties immediately protested the administration’s decision not to set up a counting centre in Darjeeling. Votes have always been counted in Darjeeling. All the parties staged a walkout,” said Pradhan.

The CPRM, GNLF and the ABGL also boycotted the meeting.

The Morcha said it had complained to the Election Commission about the counting at a single centre in Siliguri.

Darjeeling Sadar SDO, S. Mandal, said he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Source:Telegraph

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Darjeeling CPRM likely to support the BJP and S S Ahluwalia

9:15 AM

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election

The CPRM is likely to support the BJP party and its candidate S S Ahluwalia in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency. However, the final decision will be made at the right time taking the political development in mind.

S S Ahluwalia

It was learnt that for the past several days they have been busy contacting BJP leadership to discuss their issue in connection with the coming general election.

When asked, the CPRM spokesperson, Govind Chettri said that so far, nothing was finalized by the party for the 2014 Lok Sabha election. But it is true that they have been keeping in touch with the BJP leadership. He further added that the CPRM party is demanding from the BJP party to include the demand of a separate of Gorkhaland in its national election manifesto.

Mr. Chettri further added that we have learnt that the BJP is likely to give ‘support for smaller states’ in its manifesto but we have been demanding that they include a separate state of Gorkhaland in their manifesto as we have felt that the BJP  failed to keep their sincerity with the demand of a separate state of Gorkhaland. He said that in the last LS polls, all the people of the hills had extended their support to the BJP party and its candidate, Mr. Jaswant Singh but recently, after the political developments on Telangana, when a Bodo MP called for a separate Bodoland in the parliament, accordingly a committee was initiated for Bodoland. During the development the Darjeeling MP had kept mum instead of shouting for Gorkhaland as well. Hence, we now demand a clean and clear announcement from the BJP party, regarding our paramount aspiration of Gorkhaland.

He also informed that they have now been trying to contact central BJP leadership on the same issue. If no any development between them is made, then, the CPRM party would think of another option, through which, they could go for in support of Dr. Mahendra P Lama, an independent candidate from Darjeeling constituency. He said, Dr. Lama has been talking about a separate state as well as he has been avoiding the term Gorkhaland, hence before giving support to Dr. Lama, we will discuss on different aspects since we have been facing an identity and political security crisis.

Mr. Chettri questioned, when several states of the country, including the recent Telangana was formed in the name of a community, then, how come, Gorkhaland is being termed and considered a communal demand, he asked.

He also informed that not only the BJP party but they have kept their door open for other parties as well but our main demand is that these parties should put a separate Gorkhaland in their manifesto if we were to be asked for our support from the CPRM party. The CPRM will announce its final decision regarding LS polls within 23 March, taking the political developments and changes if they happen in mind.

Source:EOI

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Bimal Gurung's pilot car and bodyguard withdrawn by Election Commissioner

11:44 PM

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Live News

Darjeeling News - With reports of withdrawal of pilot car and bodyguard of GTA chief executive officer Bimal Gurung, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Sunday termed the Mamata Banerjee government as being vindictive having hatched a conspiracy against them.

GTA chief executive officer Bimal Gurung
with bodyguards

The North Bengal Development minister and Trinamool Congress leader Goutam Dev, however, maintained with election dates announced, the state government had no jurisdiction over the matter and it was the discretion of Election Commissioner.

The developments took place after Gurung denied the involvement of Morcha activists on supporters of Trinamool bound for a poll campaign meeting of Trinamool Congress candidate in Darjeeling Hills Baichung Bhutia at Singla near the hill town yesterday in which seven people were injured.

Slamming the state of being vindictive for supporting the BJP in the polls, Gurung said, "It is a witchhunt of the state government for Morcha extending support to the BJP candidate in the Hills."

Denying the involvement of his organisation memebers in the attack, Gurung said, "It was the handiwork of hoodlums sheltered by the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Election Commission observer Alokseh Misra arrived in the Hills and was keeping a tab on the situation, DM office sources said.

"GJM definitely has a hand on the attack of our supporters given that Gurung lives nearby and there is a party office at Patleybas," Deb, however, claimed.

Source:firstpost

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Anushaka Chhetri in DID L'il Masters Season 3

11:02 PM

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TV News

Anushaka Chettri from Darjeeling has been selected in top sixteen in DID L'il Masters Season 3 on Zee TV. She had given her audition for the show from Kolkata and was selected for the top 36, Anushka Chhettri had performed on Mere dholna song from the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa in the March 08. Anushaka was then called in Mumbai for top sixteen contest with her super wings where she danced on Chikni Chameli song from Agneepath and made her way through the top sixteen. Her Skipper is Sanam Johar and will represent Sanam Ki Super Heros group in DID L'il Masters Season 3.

Anushaka Chhettri from Darjeeling in DID L'il Masters Season 3

On her appearance in the audition "Anushka aap kitni cute ho aapko pata hai", says Master Mudassar.

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Darjeeling - TMC accuses GJM of throwing stones at convoy for Bhaichung Bhutia

11:20 PM

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Trinamool Congress

GJM worker,allegedly, threw  stones at Trinamool Congress (TMC ) convoy for their candidate Bhaichung Bhutia in Singla below Patlebas in Darjeeling district on Saturday.Four of the TMC party workers injured and three vehicels reportedly destroyed in the incident.TMC had a meeting in Singla today, the incident occurred below Patlebash, when TMC supporters were returning from the public meeting. TMC claimed that GJMM supporters are responsible for such criminal act.

Damaged vehicles of TMC supporters near Singla today

“Three vehicles have been destroyed and four of our party workers have been injured. We have complained to the police and the Election Commission against this vandalism. They are intentionally resorting to such things because the land beneath (GJM chief)  Bimal Gurung is fast slipping away,” Goutam Dev ,North Bengal Development Minister, said.

Baichung Bhutia TMC candidate first campaign in Darjeeling

On the other hand GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said “Morcha is not involved, the allegations are being made intentionally to discredit us and to create police pressure on us. Anti-socials may be involved in this but GJM is not involved,” 

It seems like GJM-TMC have come to the point of settling their grievances through violent measures. First it was GJM-TMC clash in kalimpong and now in Patlebas Darjeeling.

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BJP Rahul Sinha - No state bifurcation

10:45 AM

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gorkhaland news

BJP state president Rahul Sinha today said the party MP, if elected from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, will address the problems of the people in the Hills, but will in no way work for a bifurcation of the state.

Rahul Sinha BJP

"We are happy about the BJP-GJMM) tie-up and we are hopeful that we will win the Darjeeling seat with a good margin. If elected, the MP will work for the development of the region, address the problems of the people, but will not agree on the bifurcation of the state,” Mr Sinha said over telephone from Kolkata.

For the GJMM, the decision to support the BJP is, however, in tune with its political agenda for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Mr Sinha said it is true that the BJP always favoured formation of small states, but it is not possible to form a separate state of Gorkhaland with only three Assembly seats in the area.

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CPM backs Sixth Schedule for Darjeeling Lok Sabha campaign

9:01 AM

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Sixth Schedule

The CPM has decided to campaign for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat by promising to give more teeth to the Sixth Schedule, the first draft of which was made when the party was at the helm of affairs in the state.

The CPM’s move to make the draft more powerful is being seen as a way to gain support of the GNLF to win the Darjeeling seat. The party’s hill manifesto says it will demand a powerful Sixth Schedule than what was proposed in 2005.

Pathak in Darjeeling on Friday. 

“We have always respected emotions of hill communities but our stand on statehood is different. We have always supported greater autonomy and we want the Sixth Schedule status to be conferred on the GTA area through an amendment to Article 244,” CPM leader Asok Bhattacharya said here today.

The party claimed its Sixth Schedule was more powerful than the draft supported by GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh.

Saman Pathak, the CPM candidate from Darjeeling, said: “Apart from home and judiciary, we want all the subjects to be transferred to the body under the Sixth Schedule. We also want the new body to have a separate governor.”

Ghisingh’s Sixth Schedule plan, perceived as a replication of the tribal administration in the Northeast, did not have any such features.

“We want the panchayat system to be revived, a separate planning commission for Sixth Schedule area with a nomination from the Sixth Schedule body to the national planning commission and the national integration commission,” said Pathak.

These provisions were not reflected in the first draft.

“We want a body with no interference from the state,” said Bhattacharya.

The Sixth Schedule Bill agreed to by the GNLF, Centre and state in 2005 could not be passed in the Lok Sabha. The bill lapsed when the Lok Sabha term ended in 2009.

Observers said the CPM’s move was aimed at gaining GNLF support. Asked about GNLF support, Bhattacharya said: “We want all political and social bodies to support us. We don’t believe in divide and rule policies.”

Source:Telegraph

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Subash Ghisingh to return to Darjeeling

11:28 PM

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Subash Ghising

Subash Ghisingh, GNLF supremo, is expected to return to Darjeeling on this coming Sunday or Monday accompanied by his huge supporters. It is expected that about 1000 vehicles from all over Darjeeling hills will escort him to his place in Darjeeling. GNLF supporters in Darjeeling have already started preparing his grand welcome in Darjeeling. 

 Ghishing expected on Sunday or Monday

Few days ago Ghishing's supporters were seen in and around his place in Darjeeling cleaning the place for his return.It is said that some forces are deployed for his safety which could be seen around his place.  Political situation in the hills is likely to change after the arrival of Subash Ghisingh in Darjeeling as it has come to be known that GNLF will support TMC candidate Bhaichung Bhutia in the coming Lok Sabha election.

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