Earlier, every time the Telengana issue erupted, GJM leaders in Bengal had used the occasion to raise the pitch for statehood.
This time though, the four GJM MLAs see hope in taking forward the tripartite agreement on the cards. They are also hoping a generous release of funds for the proposed hill council from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
When asked about the GJM's stand on the Telengana stir and the issue of separate statehood, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said: "We are closely watching the moves of Telengana leaders. We will discuss these issues in our next central committee meeting. However, at present, we do not have any plan to go against the Mamata Banerjee government on any issue."
The GJM MLAs have a clear directive from their top leadership to cooperate with the new government. Trilok Dewan, MLA from Darjeeling, said, "We have just started negotiating with the government. How can we take any violent step? The approach of the new government is positive. We have to wait till the tripartite talks are over. The final call will be taken by GJM president Bimal Gurung."
Harka Bahadur Chhetri, MLA from Kalimpong, said, "This is a very big issue. We have to see the fallout of the Telengana stir. The central committee of the GJM will sit for a discussion soon."
"But if the situation demands, we will happily tender our resignation," added Chhetri.
According to sources, the GJM has started bargaining for a big development package for the hills.
A senior GJM leader is learnt have told government representatives that former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had asked them to drop the statehood demand against a special package of Rs 1000 crore package for the hills. But the GJM did not agree.
So this time, the GJM leaders will ask for a bigger package before signing the MoU with the state government, said a GJM leader.
- Indian Express
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