Showing posts with label Trilok Dewan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trilok Dewan. Show all posts

Bimal Gurung the most "visionless leader in the hill - Harka Bahadur Chhetri

10:33 AM
Gurung visionless: Harka

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Oct. 2: Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri who had resigned from the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha recently termed party chief Bimal Gurung the most "visionless leader in the hill ever".

Responding to the 12.34 minute video, Chettri said: "These people are giving me free publicity."

The MLA also said: "He (Gurung) is the most visionless leader in the hill ever. He has no road map for Gorkhaland ... The BJP is not sincere with Gorkhaland."

On March 28, 2011, the day of filing nomination, the video shows Chhetri saying: "This (resignation) could also happen the day after we win the election if the necessity arises and Bimal Gurung directs."

Today, Chhetri said: "I had said it in the context of the demand of Gorkhaland and that context has been distorted."
 Harka Bahadur Chhetri
 Harka Bahadur Chhetri 
Gurung had directed the three hills MLAs to resign from the Assembly. While Kurseong MLA Rohit Sharma did so, Trilok Dewan resigned both from the Morcha and the Assembly and Chhetri refused to toe the party line.

Chhetri said: "If they (Morcha) say that I have changed track... how about their leader Bimal Gurung? He had said he would shoot himself if he did not achieve Gorkhaland by March 10, 2010. ... he has been most inconsistent. At one time he offers bouquet to the chief minister and heaps praises on her, the next moment, you find him saying Mamata has no mamata (compassion)."

Source Telegraph

GJM releases video clip against Harka Bahadur Chettri

9:44 AM
Morcha video to nail Harka
Writes Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Oct. 1: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has brought out a video clip to show how Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri purportedly changed his stance and went against his own words.

The 12.34 minute video mainly consists of various bytes of Chhetri, Bimal Gurung and Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan.

The clip starts with the Morcha president announcing the names of the party's three candidates, Chhetri, Dewan and Rohit Sharma, for the 2011 Assembly elections.

With Dewan and Sharma by his side, Chhetri is shown saying: "A very big responsibility has been given to us and we will try and we will try not to let him (Gurung) down. We will prove that his (Gurung's) decision was right..... We will take our argument to a high that has reached under Bimal Gurung and we will try and make Bengal government bow."

On the day of nomination, March 28, 2011, Chhetri is seen talking about the possibility of resigning as the MLA even before going to the Assembly. "This (resignation) could also happen the day after we win the election if the necessity arises and Bimal Gurung directs," Chhetri says.
Harka Bahadur Chhetri
Harka Bahadur Chhetri 
Chhetri had gone against the Morcha's directive to resign from the Assembly and quit the party instead, alleging that Gurung was acting in a dictatorial manner.

On the counting day, May 13, 2011, Chhetri is shown saying: "The moment I had got the ticket I had said the Morcha's candidate, whoever it may be, will win and not Harka Bahadur Chhetri. Our priority is Gorkhaland and we will not overlook development either."

Sources in the Morcha said the video would be shown across the hills to expose Chhetri's changing stand since 2011. The video was shown at the party's public meeting in Kalimpong yesterday.

Chhetri, who is in Calcutta, couldn't be contacted.

A truncated video of four minutes is also doing the rounds in the social media.


Source Telegraph

Bimal Gurung on padayatra from Kalimpong to Darjeeling

12:46 PM
Rally to show Morcha might
Writes Vivek Chhetri

Bimal Gurung has decided to undertake a padayatra from Kalimpong to Darjeeling in an effort to mobilise the supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and send across a message that the party's unity hasn't been affected by rebellion by two of its leaders.

Sources in the Morcha said the decision had more or less been finalised at a meeting held at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan in Darjeeling yesterday. The Morcha president is planning the march, whose date is yet to be announced, close on the heels of the defiance by two party MLAs.

Yesterday's meeting was attended by elected GTA Sabha members, hill municipal councillors and representatives of different frontal wings of the Morcha.

The meeting had been called by Gurung to get feedback from the leaders following the resignation of Kalimpong MLA, Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan from the Morcha.
Bimal Gurung  to tunderake padayatra from Kalimpong to Darjeeling
Festoons of the Morcha at Damber Chowk in Kalimpong on Friday, ahead of the
 September 30 public meeting. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha
The duo had questioned the Morcha leadership's style of functioning and said Gurung was acting in a dictatorial manner. Chhetri refused to resign as the MLA and instead quit the Morcha. Dewan resigned both from the party and the Bengal Assembly. Only Kurseong MLA Rohit Sharma acted according to Gurung's directive and tendered his resignation from the Assembly.

A source said: "During the meeting yesterday, it was more or less finalised that a padayatra would be organised soon after the public meeting in Kalimpong, which is scheduled for September 30. The public meeting is being organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha."

It is, however, unclear whether the padayatra would start immediately after the public meeting or a day after.

Sources in the Morcha said the march was to mobilise public opinion. "The march is to send a clear message that the Morcha still enjoys support in the hills," said the source.

In January 2011, thousands of Morcha supporters had started a march from Darjeeling to the Dooars. The marchers were, however, stopped at Sibchu on February 8 when they tried to enter Jalpaiguri district. Police opened fire at the venue and three Morcha supporters, Vicky Lama, Neeta Khawash and Bimala Rai were killed.

The march had been organised to demand the inclusion of the Dooars in the Gorkhaland that the Morcha wanted.

This time, the procession will be confined to a distance of about 55km between Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The march is likely to be completed within two days, unless Gurung takes a detour through Teesta Valley to reach Darjeeling from Kalimpong. The detour would double the distance.

Yesterday, Gurung had said after the meeting that "there is nothing to worry over" Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Trilok Dewan leaving the Morcha and asked what these two leaders had been doing for the past four-and-a-half years.

"What were they doing for the past four-and-a-half years? Why did they not discuss issues with me in the past four-and-a-half years? They were also invitee members of the GTA. What were they doing all this while? asked the Morcha president. "There is nothing to worry over these developments. Everything will be fine tomorrow."

Chhetri had yesterday said: "It seems they (Morcha leaders) are giving me more importance when I am out of the party than when I was in the party."

Source Telegraph


Bimal Gurung speaks on Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Trilok Dewan leaving GJM

11:53 AM
No worry over Morcha duo, says Gurung
Writes Vivek Chhetri

Bimal Gurung today said "there is nothing to worry over" Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Trilok Dewan leaving the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and asked what these two leaders had been doing for the past four-and-a-half years.

"What were they doing for the past four-and-a-half years? Why did they not discuss issues with me in the past four-and-a-half years? They were also invitee members of the GTA. What were they doing all this while?" asked the Morcha president. "There is nothing to worry over these developments. Everything will be fine tomorrow."

Gurung, who returned from Nepal this afternoon, held a meeting with the Morcha's GTA Sabha members, councillors of hill municipalities and leaders of various frontal organisation in the party to discuss recent development.
Gurung arrives to attend the meeting of Morcha leaders in Darjeeling
on Thursday. Picture by Suman Tamang.
The Morcha had directed its three MLAs, Harka Bahadur Chhetri (Kalimpong), Trilok Kumar Dewan (Darjeeling) and Rohit Sharma (Kurseong) to resign from the Assembly to protest the government's alleged interference in the functioning of the GTA.

While Sharma resigned from the Assembly, Chhetri refused to do so and instead quit the Morcha saying the leadership was acting in a dictatorial manner. Dewan resigned from both the Assembly and the party, and levelled the same charges at the Morcha leadership as Chhetri.

Today, Gurung said: "They accuse me of taking unilateral decisions. But I have discussed various matters with my colleagues in the party. Where have I acted like a dictator?"

Training his guns at Chhetri, the Morcha chief said the demand for a separate Kalimpong district was the party's agenda. "However, people have to decide whether a district or a separate state of Gorkhaland is better," he said.

Gurung said the Morcha would organise a meeting in Kalimpong on September 30, followed by the party's foundation day celebration across the hills on October 7.

Sources privy to the deliberations at today's meeting, which lasted for nearly five hours, said almost all top leaders were asked to speak their mind.

"While some leaders said the party must ensure that there was no violence in the hills, some complained that there indeed was too much interference by the state government in the affairs with regard to the region. While one leader said Chhetri and Dewan's resignation from the Morcha would affect the party, others said the organisation could easily tide over the present crisis," said a source.

Video clipping of what the MLAs had said when Assembly election tickets were distributed was also shown during the course of the meeting, said the source.

Reacting to Gurung's comment on Chhetri's role in the party in the past four-and-a-half years, the Kalimpong MLA said: "We used to advise him (Gurung) but our advice was unwelcome. Our suggestions were never sought. The party's Study Forum was never consulted and we were only kept as human shields. We were never invited to GTA Sabha meetings."

Crackers were burst and a moderate crowd accompanied Chhetri to his house when he arrived in Kalimpong amid tight security today.

Source Telegraph

"Just because of two Mir Jafars, Kanchenjungha will not melt to become the Bay of Bengal."

11:39 AM
Morcha slams rebels
Writes Vivek Chhetri

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today indirectly equated the rebellion of Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Trilok Dewan with the action of Mir Jafar and claimed the two had signed a bond promising to resign as MLAs whenever the party directed them to do so.

Responding for the first time to the charges raised by Chhetri and Dewan, Binay Tamang, the assistant secretary of the Morcha, said in a press release today: "Just because of one or two Mir Jafars, Kanchenjungha will not melt to become the Bay of Bengal."

Mir Jafar had turned against his own people and helped the British win the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The Morcha had directed its all three MLAs, Harka Bahadur Chhetri (Kalimpong), Trilok Kumar Dewan (Darjeeling) and Rohit Sharma (Kurseong) to resign from the Assembly to protest the state government's alleged interference in the functioning of the GTA.

While Sharma toed the party line and resigned from the Assembly, Chhetri refused to do so and instead, quit the Morcha saying the leadership was acting in a dictatorial manner. Dewan resigned from both the Assembly and the party, and levelled same charges against the Morcha leadership as Chhetri.
Trilok Dewan and Harka Bahadur Chhetri resigned from gjm
From left Trilok Dewan and Harka Bahadur Chhetri who resigned from GJM
Both Chhetri and Dewan had said they hadn't been consulted before the leadership had decided on their resignation from the Assembly.

Tamang in the written statement said: "On March 14, 2011, a few moments before the names of the MLAs were announced at Darjeeling Gymkhana Club, Bimal Gurung had said that those getting the party tickets for the elections would have to resign from the Assembly on the direction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, irrespective of the time or the prevailing situation, for the cause of Gorkhaland and the general good of the people of the hills. Gurung had also stated that if the need arose, the legislators would have to sit on a hunger strike in front of the West Bengal Assembly."

The Morcha assistant secretary, however, said only Rohit Sharma had kept the promise like a true Gorkha. "Only Dr Rohit Sharma has shown integrity and kept his promise like a true Gorkha and has worked in the interest of Gorkhaland and the people of the hills. Before tendering his resignation, he also raised the issue of Gorkhaland and his deeds will be written in golden letters," said Tamang.

Indirectly accusing Chhetri and Dewan of looking after their self-interest, Tamang said: "Dr Rohit Sharma did not look for personal interest."

Chhetri admitted that he had signed the bond. However, he said: "Signing a bond does not mean that I have to accept all the wrongs as right. It would be better for the Morcha to not talk about commitments as Bimal Gurung himself had said he would get Gorkhaland by March 10, 2010 or else, he would shoot himself."

The Kalimpong MLA said he hoped that the party would learn from the past.

"The party should have a group of 7-10 people who discuss and take decisions. At the moment, whatever Bimal Gurung dreams the night before is announced as the party decision the next day. The central committee, which has over 90 members, has become a place where all those people who do not fit in other panels are admitted. There are no criteria for one to become a central committee member in the party," said Chhetri.

Source Telegraph

Separate district status for Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik - Rohit Sharma

11:17 AM
Morcha pats Rohit with rousing welcome
Writes Bireswar Banerjee

Over 1,000 supporters and several leaders of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha assembled at Bagdogra airport today to welcome Rohit Sharma, a party central committee member, as he returned from Calcutta after resigning as the Kurseong MLA.

The crowd led by GTA member and Morcha leader Asha Gurung waited outside the airport from 12.30pm.

Around 2.30pm, as Sharma walked out, he was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters who garlanded him and offered khada (silk scarf) as a mark of respect.

The airport premises reverberated with "Bimal Gurung zindabad," "Rohit Sharma zindabad" and "We want Gorkhaland," slogans as people greeted Sharma.

The supporters chanted " Jai Kali Mahakali, ayo ayo Gorkhali," the battle cry of the Gorkha Regiment.
Rousing Welcome for Dr. Rohit Sharma as he returned from Calcutta after resigning as the Kurseong MLA
The two other elected legislators of the hill party, Harka Bahadur Chhetri of Kalimpong and Trilok Dewan of Darjeeling, resigned from the Morcha recently. While Dewan has resigned as the MLA as well, Harka has not.

"We have been saying that the state government is interfering in the affairs of the GTA. This is unacceptable. Despite being a member of the Legislative Assembly of the state, we were never allowed to raise this issue at the Assembly. If an MLA is not allowed to speak on pertinent issues related to the hills and its people, there is no point in clinging on to the post. I have followed the party's decision and stepped down as an MLA in protest," Sharma said as the crowd cheered.

"The entire hills are with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and will continue to be with the party. Today, people from the hills proved their support to the party once again by coming here in large numbers to welcome me. I feel proud and I would like to say that the decision of these people (Chhetri and Dewan) will not affect the Morcha in any way," he added.

He also spoke about the demand for the new Kalimpong district.

"We welcome the demand and we would like to say that if the state takes a decision on it, we will also seek separate district status for Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik. The rise the in number of districts would augment our political strength," Sharma said.

Asha Gurung, who kept encouraging the crowd, said: "We have come here to welcome Rohit Sharma and congratulate him on his decision. In due course, it would be proved that the decision taken by two people (Chhetri and Dewan) will not have any impact on the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha."

Morcha sources said Sharma was felicitated at different locations on his way to Kurseong. "He was felicitated at Sukna and Rohini. In Kurseong, a street corner was organised where he was congratulated," said R.B. Lama, a leader in Kurseong.

Airport sources said since the GTA was formed, today's Morcha gathering was one of the largest. "After several months, there has been a large assembly of Morcha supporters today. It reminded us of the gatherings between 2007 and 2011 (the statehood agitation period)," said a source.

Source Telegraph

People’s mandate and support still with GJM - Roshan Giri

10:36 AM
Darjeeling 22 Sep 2015 Trying to put up a brave face in the wake of the resignations of two of its senior leaders, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today tried to downplay the development saying it would not have any negative impact on the party. GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said the people’s mandate and support was still with the party. “The party will not be affected as it is strong and has the people’s mandate. The people of the hills are fully aware of the work the GJM is doing for them,” he asserted.

Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri resigned on September 18 while Trilok Kumar Dewan, the legislator from Darjeeling, quit three days later on September 21. Giri said, “We have yet to receive their formal resignation letters. Let us see what they have to say. But I say nobody is above the party. The decision to ask the MLAs to resign if required was taken way back in 2011.”

While Dewan has also quit as MLA, Chhetri has chosen to remain a legislator to take forward the demand to convert Kalimpong into a district. The duo said the “autocratic” attitude of GJM president Bimal Gurung forced them to take the decision to leave the party as they felt “unwanted”. Gurung had asked the three MLAs to resign from the Assembly to protest the state government’s intrusion into the independent functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.
People’s mandate and support still with GJM - Roshan Giri
From left Roshan Giri, Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Rohit Sharma - a file photo
However, the MLAs were not called for the meeting held to take the decision. Rohit Sharma, the Kurseong MLA, submitted his resignation to the Speaker on September 21 along with Dewan, but he has not quit from the GJM. Today, a poster in English and Nepali appeared in Kalimpong in support of Chhetri and the demand to convert the sub-division into a district. The poster signed ‘janta ko awaz’ reads, “We want Kalimpong district. Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri do not be afraid. The people of Kalimpong are with you.” Chhetri has been championing the issue of upgrading Kalimpong sub-division into a district and reportedly took up the matter with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on September 15.

However, Giri refused to give credit to Chhetri saying it was the GJM that had first raised the demand with the state government. “His claim is completely false. During an all-party meeting in Kolkata in 2012 that Chhetri and I attended, we had proposed to the CM to convert Kalimpong into a district. Also, according to the tripartite GTA agreement, the West Bengal government will initiate actions to reorganise and reconstitute the territorial jurisdictions of the three hill sub-divisions including the blocks,” the GJM general secretary pointed out. In 2013, the GTA Sabha passed a resolution to increase the existing eight blocks of the hills to 18. “We are already working on increasing block numbers and sub-divisions and after a report is prepared, we will submit it to the state government,” Giri said.

Political observers are of the opinion that both Chhetri and the GJM stand to gain if Kalimpong is made into a district. “It is a win-win situation for Chhetri and the GJM. Chhetri has not resigned as a legislator, so if the district really comes up, he will definitely gain popularity as Kalimpong residents support the issue. The GJM too will reap benefits and make all effort to show the demand was fulfilled due to the party’s relentless efforts,” an observer said.

Source:EOI

Gorkhaland, Loyalty, Defiance, and Treachery

10:16 AM
Loyalty, Defiance, and Treachery 

Writes Upendra for TheDC

Darjeeling is a small place, but it’s a place full of intrigue – “syanu tara bisalu thau” as we say in Nepali; and what happened this past week, is indicative of the “bishalu” nature of our people. Perhaps it is this “bishalu” nature of the people living here, which has prevented us and continues to prevent us from achieving our one and only goal – Gorkhaland.

Right from the demand for “Gorkhastan” by the communists, to the demands of “Gorkhaland” by GNLF and GJM, we have always managed to find detractors within our own selves. Be it the CPIM [now CPRM] during 1986, to TMC supporters currently, the most vocal critics of Gorkhaland have always been a section or the other of the hill people.

While the world sings paeans about “Gorkha loyalty,” it is surprising, shocking and disheartening to note that the Gorkhas themselves have never been loyal to each other.

As is made apparent in the way three MLAs elected from our hills resigned: Mr. Trilok Dewan resigned from both the post and the party, Dr. Rohit Sharma resigned from the post and remained with the party, while Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri retained the post and resigned from the party. There were four possible options and our MLAs did not disappoint us, they chose three out of the four and showed the world how very divided the Gorkhalis actually are.

However, behind this division lies the story of loyalty, defiance, and treachery.

LOYALTY 
Loyalty is a rare virtue, and even though the word “loyalty” is very often used in politics, it is seldom understood, or given the due respect it deserves. When it comes to “loyalty” it can be seen from four angles, 1) Loyalty to the people 2) Loyalty to the cause 3) Loyalty to the party and 4) Loyalty to self.

When it comes to the politicians in Darjeeling, more often than not, loyalty has more or less remained confined to the last two – loyalty to self and the political party one is associated with, or hopes to associate with.

As far as the cause – Gorkhaland is concerned, there are those who overtly support the demand, but once out of the public eyes, they do not care for it one way or the other. The three Darjeeling MLAs who resigned recently from either the party or the post, till date did not make a single statement in the Bengal legislative assembly in favour of Gorkhaland. All three of them were happy being MLAs and the CAUSE did not matter to them.

Almost all our politicians have deceived, lied, cheated and made a fool of the people, so it is safe to state that their loyalty towards people is zero. However, amongst the three, as far as we are aware, Dr. Rohit Sharma has done the most for the people.

He raised the issue of non-inclusion of Nepali in WBCS mains in the assembly, he raised the issue of forming SSB in the hills, and he has helped over 100 critically ill patients with finding resources for their treatment and payment of medical bills. Even though he is an MLA from Kurseong, we are witness to him helping Jyotika (from Darjeeling) and getting Rs 1 Lakh sanctioned for her treatment, when Darjeeling MLA Mr. Trilok Dewan was nowhere to be found. We are also witness to Dr. Sharma extending help to those from Darjeeling who needed help in Delhi. He has bought ambulances for his constituents and assisted them when the landslides struck. As recently as August of 2015, Dr. Sharma and GTA tourism Secretary Mr. Sonam Bhutia helped the hill students from Darjeeling who are currently studying at Jadavpur University and provided them the Gorkha Bhawan hall for a token fee of Rs 500, while the same hall had demanded Rs 20000 for 8 hours use last year [Details: http://on.fb.me/1V8Th0i].
Loyalty, Defiance, and Treachery
Poem via: Ashim Rai Chamling Malekungcha
So as far as I am concerned, I definitely rate Dr. Rohit Sharma higher in terms of loyalty towards the people. Perhaps he could have done more, but he did the most amongst the three.

DEFIANCE 
There is a certain charm in being a rebel. It takes guts and also a great deal of courage to try and swim against the current. However, it helps to be a rebel for a cause, and sadly the two MLAs who have dared to show their defiance against what they term as “diktat” chose their MLA SEATS as the CAUSE worth defying for, instead of Gorkhaland.

I respect the fact that both Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri and Mr. Trilok Dewan have resigned from GJM in defiance of the “party diktat.” After resigning both have highlighted how “suffocating the atmosphere was in GJM,” both have stated how “GJM would not listen to them,” both have stated how “their voices were never heard.”

However, I have a question for both these gentlemen – Sir, why were you guys silent all this while? What stopped you from speaking out against this “diktat” and “suffocating environment” earlier?

In Darjeeling, every thinking and educated person detests GJM, and even GJM supporters are aware of that fact, so why did you guys not get out of the “suffocating” environment and inform the people? Why did you wait for till when you were asked to resign, to voice your dissent?

Mr. Trilok Dewan does get the benefit of doubt. Perhaps it was a late bout of conscience hitting him or a case of his ego repeatedly being bruised, whatever his reasons were, his resignation from both the party and the post absolves him of any selfishness on his part.

Before resigning from his Legislative assembly post Dr. Rohit Sharma entered the hall with a “We Want Gorkhaland” t-shirt, and shouted slogans for Gorkhaland and freedom of self-administration inside the assembly, and then he resigned.

While GJM supporters see bravery in his action and site it as an act of defiance against the tyrannical Bengal government, I see political gimmick. Though it is easy to respect the fact that he dared to raise his voice for Gorkhaland inside Bengal assembly, I wish he had done so on the 1st day of every legislative session, instead of on his last day.

So when it comes to defiance, even though I would rate Mr. Trilok Dewan higher than Dr. Rohit Sharma – sadly both their actions are passionately ineffective. However, Dr. Harka Bahadur is a class apart; his defiance is much driven by his self-interest above all, which leads us to the third category.

TREACHERY 
I have always felt that our politicians have so much to learn from the Bengali politicians. Their fierce loyalty to each other when it comes to defending a “collective cause” is unparalleled and something that we should all want to emulate the most.

Till date, I haven’t seen or heard a single main stream Bengali politician rushing in to support the formation of Gorkhaland state. Bengali social leaders, academics, fringe politicians and common people have supported separate state for the Gorkhas, but till today no main-stream Bengali politician has supported the Gorkhaland statehood.

In contrast, look at us, we are divided amongst ourselves so much that we not only have a plethora of demands, but we also have treacherous individuals amongst our midst who would not give two hoot to decrying the demand for Gorkhaland, if the payment is right.

From demanding 6th Scheduled (GNLF), to demanding Sikkim merger (GRC), to demanding Union Territory (Hill Congress), to demanding Autonomous Administration (CPIM), to demanding Development boards (selected communities), to demanding Development (Hill TMC), to demanding Separate district for Kalimpong (Dr. Harka), to demanding Gorkhaland (GJM, CPRM etc). Almost every single political party has their own personal cause that they are championing and trying to impose on the people.

We are hardly 15 lakhs here in Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars region, and yet look at the causes that have divided us. While all the Bengali politicians speak with one voice – “NO” – against Gorkhaland, we keep on sending multiple messages. Perhaps even the center is confused and tired of our shenanigans.

So the greatest form of treachery being committed on our people is perpetuated by our politicians, who are ably supported by us.

However, let us look at our three MLAs and see who has been more treacherous. Dr. Rohit Sharma has remained loyal to his party, which right now represents the majority in Darjeeling, so he can be called treacherous, only if we are willing to blame his entire party of treachery towards the people. GJM as a whole has undoubtedly failed the people of Darjeeling, so Dr. Sharma is definitely guilty by association. But as an individual he has remained loyal to the party and the hill cause.

Mr. Trilok Dewan who yesterday said that only “drivers” and “contractors” were running the GJM, also said, “What Gorkha society benefited over the constant conflict with Bengal government? Was it beneficial for our region to have agitations in regular basis? Does not it affect common people? GTA is raised in good times and only in difficulties the issue of Gorkhaland is voiced.” He is absolutely correct, and he is the prime example of how people voice “Gorkhaland” whenever they are put in a difficult spot.

Till Date, Mr. Trilok Dewan has not uttered a single word on Gorkhaland in any of the Bengal legislative meetings. Till date, he did not raise the concern of the talks only being confined to the GTA and not exactly Gorkhaland. But after resigning, he has plenty to talk about on what went wrong. Isn’t it a bit hypocritical of him to use Gorkhaland after he was put in spot and not before that?

However, I am hopeful that his revelation will shake things up in Darjeeling, and will help in ushering in a new era of fairness and openness in how politics is conducted in Darjeeling. We are hopeful that Mr. Dewan will release the murky details of GJM politics and help in cleansing our hills of the politics of lies, deceit and hypocrisy.

In terms of treachery, however the undisputed winner is Dr. Harka Bahadur. Despite all his claims to innocence, Dr. Harka has time and again supported Mamata and her actions. He has released anti-Gorkhaland statements and sought favours with TMC. Thus it comes as no surprise that today Dr. Harka Bahadur is running from one Bengali TV channel to another vilifying GJM, GTA and even Gorkhaland.

Responding to the question on Development Boards, Dr. Harka said, “the Boards are doing much better job than the GTA… so why complain?” Perhaps it’s true (facts suggest otherwise), but it is also indicative of the fact that he supports the formation of such Jat-based boards which majority of us hill folks see as the 1st wedge placed by Bengal for dividing and ruling over the hill people.

Today he claims to champion the cause of the people of Kalimpong, but we all remember him missing from action when landslide struck Kalimpong [details: http://on.fb.me/1L4mgDi]. In fact, Lingsheka region in Kalimpong is still cut off from the rest of Darjeeling – so here is the question, where is the love Mr. MLA? If you were really concerned about the people of Kalimpong, wouldn’t you have made that a priority?

Dr. Harka says he will fight for making Kalimpong a district, well that is a worthy cause indeed. However as one of our colleagues from Kalimpong Mr. Dk Waiba writes, “फेसबुकभरी कालेबुङलाई जिल्ला बनाउनुपर्छ भन्ने कुराको चर्चा छ। चर्चाका केन्द्रविन्दुमा छन् गोजमुमो पार्टीको राजीनामा दिनुपर्ने फरमानलाई विरोध गरेर पार्टीबाटै राजीनामा दिने विधायक डा. हर्कबहादुर छेत्री। कालेबुङलाई जिल्ला बनाउनु अति राम्रो कुरा हो। प्रशासनिक सुविधाको निम्ति अलग जिल्ला बनिनु पर्छ। यसको समर्थक म पनि हुँ। घोषणा नै गरिदिएँ। तर यहाँ यत्तिखेर मलाई के लागिरहेको छ भने यसपल्ट कालेबुङलाई जिल्ला बनाउने पहल हुने हो होइन त्यसभन्दा अघि सिलगडी जिल्ला बनिएर दार्जीलिङ जिल्लाबाट सधैँको निम्ति चुँढिएर जाने सम्भावना भने मैले देखेको छु। हामी हल्ला धेर गर्छौँ तलकाहरू काम धेर गर्छन अनि चुपचाप काम गर्नेहरूले कालेबुङ जिल्ला बनिन अघिनै सिलगडी जिल्ला बनाएर लैजादा हामी हिस्रिकै पर्छौँ अनि त्यतिबेला फेरि एकचोटी नेतालाई सराप्छौँ। प्रशासनिक सुविधाको निम्ति कालेबुङ मात्रै किन जिल्ला बनाउनु ? खर्साङलाई पनि अलग्गै जिल्ला बनाऊँ... कि कसो ? तीनवटै महकुमा जिल्लामा परिणत भएपछि सबै महकुमाका जनतालाई सुविधा हुने होइन र ? जहाँ खण्डहरूको संख्या बड्ने छ, पञ्चायतको संख्या बढ्ने छ। तब सबै ठाउँका जनताले प्रशासनकि सुविधा पाउन सजिलो हुनेछ”।

Dr. Harka is one of the key proponents of GJM as well as GTA. Never once in the past has he voiced his opinion against either, however, today he is busy pointing out all the flaws in GTA, he is also busy decrying GJM. Today he sees virtue in Jat-specific Development boards, and virtue in the benevolence of Bengal and Mamata. It is said that a council will soon be formed which will control all the development boards, and Dr. Harka will supposedly head that council. Perhaps that is what inspired him to rebel, and not really the Kalimpong cause.

Francis Bacon once said, “the zeal which begins with hypocrisy must conclude in treachery; at first it deceives, at last it betrays”

It is easy to see who the hypocrite is, as his betrayal is evident for the world to witness today.

Originally published here http://on.fb.me/1YBljpN


I was like a Show-piece in party (GJM)– Trilok Dewan

4:00 PM
It was second jolt to GJMM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha), when former IAS officer Trilok Dewan resigned from the GJMM following Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri in less than three days, which shocked entire hills.

I was more like a Show-piece in party, not like a legislator. I was presented only when I was required. We did not have important role to play in the party. Rather ‘Drivers’ and ‘Contractors’ were taken for Delhi-Talks, local legislators were sidelined. Are ‘Drivers’ and ‘Contractors’ public representatives? In reality, party is in control of ‘Drivers’ and ‘Contractors’. Actual public representatives were dispossessed. How long can we tolerate such insult?, said Trilok Dewan, former IAS officer, on the same day he submitted his resignation in Kolkata.

Party president told us to resign and I resigned from both party and MLA, said Trilok Dewan. Democracy is mentioned in the party but diktat rules. I am a retired IAS officer and worked as a Chief Secretary, I know how government and political party function, how democracy is maintained, expressed Trilok Dewan.
Trilok Dewan quits GJM
Trilok Dewan
So far I know, we were not called in a meeting where decision of MLAs resignation was decided. Only Sabhasad and Municipality representatives were called and decided our fate. Are Legislators lesser than GTA Sabhasad and Municipality representatives? Legislator has its own significance and dignity. The decision of resignations of MLAs should have been decided in Central Committee meeting, where 84 members are there including legislators. But decision was taken without the consent of legislators, which is very unfortunate and undemocratic, added Trilok Dewan.

He adds further, there is no democracy in the party at all, diktat is evident. Had they called us we would have explained about advantages and disadvantages of resignation issue. But we have been kept outside from making decision. Is it what legislators are treated in democracy? What should we call it democracy or dictatorship?

He said, I was also an advisor of GTA chief but I was never sought for my opinion. We legislators have been tolerating such disregard since long, hoping that leaders will realize one fine day and pave the way for democracy but never happened. Rather we were embarrassed in front of ‘Drivers’ and ‘Contractors’. How long can we tolerate such humiliation?

The party was formed in the name of Gorkhaland. But where is Gorkhaland now? There was never a talk over Gorkhaland in Tripartite meeting in Delhi, it was discussed only on GTA issues. GTA was given more importance and GTA issues were discussed because few leaders are making use of it. In the beginning, GTA was called the first ladder of Gorkhaland but where is that ladder? Is that ladder has become the amusement park of ‘Contractors’?, he further said.

We all know, there is no role of Central government in our issues and Central government cannot order state government. Despite all these facts, Gorkhaland issue is deliberately highlighted in the name of meeting with some Central ministers. What is the outcome of meeting with Central ministers and 13 tripartite meetings? Nothing, only assurance, said Trilok Dewan.

Gorkhaland is a question attached with the sentiment of Gorkhas. But now Gorkhaland is lost somewhere, there is now only GTA everywhere. What should we explain to people? Where and when did the issue of Gorkhaland slip away from the hand?
I am extremely sorry to say that GTA is a playground for the people like ‘Contractors’ and ‘Drivers’, it is not for the common people, said Trilok Dewan.

What Gorkha society benefited over the constant conflict with Bengal government? Was it beneficial for our region to have agitations in regular basis? Does not it affect common people? GTA is raised in good times and only in difficulties the issue of Gorkhaland is voiced, said Trilok Dewan.

The post of legislator and I was insulted many time in party, how long I should be tolerating such humiliation? Ultimately I was compelled to resign considering the dignity of legislator and my self-respect, Mr. Trilok Dewan said.

Source: Himalaya Darpan via DT

 
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