Bimal Gurung faction GJM Press release on quitting Alliance with BJP

11:42 PM

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Press Release

Bimal Gurung faction has released a press release denying Binay Tamang's  recent statement, claiming to be from GJM, that  Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has quit the NDA with BJP.

Here is the Press release:

A statement released by Binoy Tamang, the West Bengal government appointed GTA Chairman of the Board of Administrators, that Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has quit the National Democratic Alliance is ludicrous, and does not reflect the official GJM stand.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has been a constituent of the NDA since 2009, and we will continue to remain an integral part of the NDA.

I request all our party members to forewarn the people, and let the public and media be aware that any statement made by Binay Tamang, claiming to be from GJM, should not be given any credence. He is a West Bengal government employee, and does not represent the people of Darjeeling, nor the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

He may, if he so desires, release statements on behalf of the government he is serving - West Bengal, or the party he is serving - TMC, but he has no business whatsoever issuing statements on behalf of GJM, from which we have removed him on September 1, 2017 itself.

Bimal Gurung
President, Central Committee
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha

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Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal

8:18 PM

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northeast live news

Proud moment for us, the Indian Gorkha Community,  for the first time in the history of National Defence Academy (NDA), a Gorkha cadet from the North East has won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit and commanded the passing out parade (POP).

It was a proud occasion for Academy Cadet Captain Avinash Chhetry who is from Tezpur, Assam where he has witnessed the Army’s presence and their actions right from his childhood. The son of a paramilitary officer, he dreamt of joining the Indian Army since he was a child. He completed his schooling from the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military School (RIMC), Dehradun before getting into NDA.

 Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal

Speaking to Sakal Times, an elated Chhetry, said, “It is a proud moment for me and my parents as I have become the first cadet who has commanded the POP and won the gold medal. Since I have completed my studies in a military school, it was not that difficult for me to adjust to life at the academy.” Chhetry said that he would like to join either the Gorkha Rifles or Special Forces of the Indian Army as he wants to engage himself into combat roles in the future. According to Chhetry, the situation in the North East region has now much improved than it was in the past. Upon being asked whether he would like to lead an Army unit in his home state Assam, Chhetry quipped, “Why not?”



Via GYASA

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Collection of “anti-Gorkhaland movement fund” by an organization claiming to be Shiv Sena in Siliguri

7:22 PM

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Siliguri

The collection of “anti-Gorkhaland movement fund” by an organization claiming to be Shiv Sena in Siliguri has created tension in the town.

collection of “anti-Gorkhaland movement fund” by an organization claiming to be Shiv Sena in Siliguri - pic- DT

A coupon for Rs 20 issued in the name of Shiv Sena from an address in Shivram Pally, at Haiderpara, in Siliguri  s circulating in the town. Signatures of the president and the spokesperson of the organization can also be seen on the coupon.

A concerned Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporter said: “GJM still being a constituent of NDA should raise this issue at the highest level, and if these people are using Shiv Sena's name to raise money, then they should be legally challenged.

“If the coupon is real, then GJM should explain why one of their ally is collecting anti-Gorkhaland funds to the public”, said another concerned resident. (HS)

Source: EOI

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GNLF urged NDA govt to table Gorkhaland bill in the parliament

8:35 AM

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Sixth Schedule

The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has urged the NDA government to table the Gorkhaland bill in the first session of parliament as promised during the BJP's LS election campaigns. With the formation of Telangana as India’s 29th state, the BJP must give equal impetus to the Gorkhaland issue and help the people of the hills fulfill their dreams, GNLF leader Arjun Rai said today at a press briefing here. “The people of the hills have voted BJP candidate SS Ahluwalia as an MP from Darjeeling and now the party should live up to its promises. We expect the MP to table the bill on the very first day of the parliamentary session and put pressure on the house to pass it,” he stressed.

GNLF leader Arjun Rai during a press meet
in Mirik on Tuesday.

Rai claimed GNLF’s only agenda is the implementation of Sixth Schedule and irrespective of which party forms the government; it will continue its demand. “We will not make any changes in our agenda and will continue the demand for the implementation of Sixth Schedule, but the central government should respect the sentiments of the people,” he added. The GNLF leader also informed the party is planning to conduct a meeting soon regarding its demand for the Sixth Schedule. “The party’s central committee will soon meet and will direct the various branch committees to conduct party activities across the hills,” Rai added.






DEEP MILAN PRADHAN
Source: EOI

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Bimal Gurung confident on Gorkhaland, slams Gautam Deb

9:59 AM

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Politics

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung is confident the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland will resume on a positive note once the new government at the Centre settles and starts functioning smoothly within the next two to three months. At the same time, he warned NBDD minister Gautam Deb against using “rowdies” with money power to spread violence in the Darjeeling hills.

Bimal Gurung at Bagdogra airport on Wednesday.

Talking to the media this afternoon at Bagdogra airport after returning from New Delhi, Gurung said, “We had gone to Delhi to discuss the Gorkhaland issue and we interacted with high profile leaders of the BJP, RSS and other NDA partners. All of them are well-versed with the demand for Gorkhaland and we reminded them of it once again.”

The GJM chief added things are moving ahead as envisaged and he foresees no haste as a new government has just been formed. “We need to wait until everything gets settled and the government starts to function smoothly. We will visit New Delhi again and hold talks with the leaders there.”

Before heading to the capital to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister and his cabinet, Gurung had said he is hopeful of Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia getting a ministerial berth. 

He had said, “Ahluwalia is a senior leader of the BJP; in fact he is the party’s vice-president, and was the party in-charge of the northeastern states during the Lok Sabha polls. I am confident he will get a ministerial berth.”

When reporters put up this question before him today, Gurung replied the Union Cabinet will see an expansion within the next three months during which Ahluwalia is sure to get a portfolio.

Talking about the state government’s commitment to withdraw old cases against GJM leaders and cadres and provide further facilities to the GTA, Gurung said as the BJP is in power now and the GJM is a constituent of the NDA government, everything will be examined properly, and if necessary, his party will knock on the doors of the high court and the Supreme Court to seek justice.

The GJM chief also clearly stated the hills will not have to endure with bandhs any more and the GTA will work to maintain peace and tranquility and engage in development works for the welfare of the general public.

Asked to comment on whether the GJM and the state government are in any conflict, Gurung said, “We had gone to New Delhi on the invitation of the BJP and if the state government reacts negatively to this, it is not our headache. The GTA will carry on with its development works and it is the state government’s responsibility to send the necessary funds.”

The GJM chief was accompanied by his wife Asha Gurung, general secretary Roshan Giri and other party leaders.

Source:EOI

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Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh present seven demands to NDA government

8:31 AM

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northeast gorkhas

The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) has written to the newly formed NDA or Modi government at the Centre seeking its attention on seven demands the organisation has listed.

BGP national executive president Dr Enos Das Pradhan

In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BGP national executive president Dr Enos Das Pradhan has noted the issue of a Gorkhaland state as the organisation’s principal demand. Apart from this, the BGP wants the central government to grant the right of ownership to the tea garden and cinchona plantation workers of Darjeeling district and the Dooars region.

Pradhan said one of the issues highlighted includes guaranteeing the safety of the Gorkha people who have been residing in the northeastern states of the country for generations. The BGP also wants state-run Doordarshan television to telecast programmes in the Nepali/Gorkha language in regions where the Gorkha people comprise the majority of the populace.

Further, the BGP wants the new government to consider appointing eligible members of the Gorkha community to the posts of governors and ambassadors. Pradhan also said he has asked the prime minister to grant special privileges to Gorkhas residing in various states of the country as minorities.

“We first met Mr Modi in Ahmedabad on March 15 last year and apprised him of the BGP’s seven demands. Now that he has become the prime minister, we believe it will be easier for us to pursue the issues,” said Pradhan.

BGP executive member R Moktan added the organisation plans to meet Modi very soon and discuss the seven demands with him.

Source:EOI

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GJM delegation called on by NDA chairperson LK Advani

2:48 PM

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Roshan Giri

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) delegation called on by senior BJP leader and NDA working chairperson Shri LK Advani at his residence this morning.

GJM delegation called on by senior BJP leader and NDA working chairperson Shri LK Advani

The delegation congratulated him for the BJP victory and apprised him of the political situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas.

Shri LK Advani said he was well versed with the issue of Gorkhaland and told the delegation that the GJM must continue its fight on behalf of the people of Darjeeling and justice would finally prevail.

He agreed that Darjeeling was never a part of Bengal.

The delegation comprised of GJM General Secretary, Rooshan Giri, Central Committee members Binoy Tamang & Jyoti Rai, Study Forum Member Swaraj Thapa headed by GJM chief Bimal Gurung

Source: Bimal Gurung FB fan Page

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Now or never for the Gorkhas

8:24 PM

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Trinamool Congress

By Vivek Ghatani

Politics is an art to analyse and go with the demand of the people. Ofcourse the Trinamool Congress friends up in the hills has mistakenly taken for granted that ‘development’ plank is the key to win elections. Unfortunately, not the hearts of the hill people which despite winds and storms are always throbbing for a separate statehood.

I will take the “dreams of the Gorkhas”, Gorkhaland to the Parliament
- S. S. Ahluwalia said to the public gathered for his support.

This is why the Darjeeling parliamentary seat goes to the BJP – now the single largest party at the centre. It is a surprising wonder why Trinamool supporters in the hills although knowing that hill politics and outfits survive on the plank ‘Gorkhaland’ were out with a development plank and agreed to field a footballer who is respected for his soccer talents rather than a politician. 

The immaturity shown at this level of politics from the hill Trinamool camp is a mere sign of dividing hill people meant to oppose the statehood. It is no surprise to see the Bimal Gurung led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) joining hands with the NDA as an ally. This is where Mamata Bannerjee and her hill supporters have lost a battle of high spirit in the logger head despite a thumping win. The TMC has won 34 out of the 42 seats but to remain as a spectator. 

That Gurung making foray in NDA and Mamata out from it speaks volumes of what is in store in the future. Although this may not be regarded that ‘Gorkhaland’ is right away on the cards. There was a time when Mamata was in a commanding position to hook knock the Gorkhaland agitation led by Gurung but the spectrum of command has changed with Gurung getting a place in the NDA by just supporting BJP in one seat. 

The roadway to Gorkhaland now has been an easier path for the GJM for which it does not have to beg the Bengal government. Ofcourse it is to see for the BJP how it delivers its promise to fulfill the dream of the Gorkhas. Easier said than done, fulfilling the statehood demand is not an easy task for the BJP either though it is in a commanding position. 

But there isn’t impossible to anything and Telangana formation is a perfect example to it. For the hills now, be it our Trinamool friends, GNLF, CPRM, ABGL, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) or Dr. Mahendra P.Lama time has come to show its strength. 

Having said that the blame game should be over now and focus on the achieving what is required. There is no question of only GJM taking the initiative for unification. Any force has the right to do so. Politics is an art of analysing as said earlier. The analysis says unification is the need for the next five years.  If now, it is never for the Gorkhas again. 

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GJM joins NDA - Boost for Gorkhaland demand

8:32 PM

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NDA

A delegation from GJM is to meet Narendra Modi to apprise him of the political situation
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is part and parcel of the National Democratic Alliance, senior Bharitiya Janata Party leader S.S. Ahluwalia who was recently elected from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat said on Wednesday.

Bimal Gurung with S.S. Ahluwalia  

The decision of the BJP to include GJM in the NDA which has come to power at the Centre with an overwhelming majority, not only comes as a welcome step to the political outfit but will have implications in the State’s politics where the BJP is all set to play a larger role.

GJM president Bimal Gurung on his Facebook page said that that the hill party is now part of the 29 parties representing NDA. “The GJM delegation will also meet prominent NDA leaders in the days to come including Narendra Modi and apprise him about Gorkhaland and the political situation in Darjeeling hills,” he said.

Senior GJM leaders have also expressed hope that a solution to the Gorkhaland issue now may be in sight. The GJM had supported the BJP in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls but the party was not part of the NDA then.

“The GJM could not have asked for anything more. We have an MP elected with our support from Darjeeling and a government at Centre of which the GJM has become part of,” senior GJM leader and MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri told The Hindu.

Mr. Chettri said that the inclusion of the GJM in NDA is not only recognition of the party but also people of the Darjeeling hills. “This is our best chances of raising our issues after all these years of independence,” Mr Chettri said.

Made for each other

Commenting on the development Mr. Ahluwalia told this correspondent that the BJP and GJM are "made for each other and the alliance will have positive and constructive implications on the politics in Bengal".
The GJM has three MLAs in the State Assembly and significant support base in the Dooars region.

An analysis of the Lok Sabha results in the State points out that the BJP which at present does not have any seats in the Assembly got highest votes in 19 Assembly seats.

Despite the silver lining in the alliance there is also a risk as the GJM’s demand of a separate State of Gorkhaland does not have many takers in the plains.

In fact, certain sections within the State level leadership of the BJP are not keen to get identified with the bifurcation of the State.

In the Lok Sabha polls that concluded recently, the Trinamool Congress tried to rake up the issue and accused the BJP of trying to divide of the State.

Trinamool Congress chairperson and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had vehemently opposed the demand for a separate State of Gorkhaland.

In fact, political analyst believe that the rhetoric of dividing the State turned out to be the reason for the Trinamool Congress sweeping the polls in north Bengal except in the Darjeeling seat.

Source: HT

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