New GTA chief exec must be elected member: CM

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee today triggered off a new area of conflict with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha over the process of electing the new chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration lying vacant ever since Bimal Gurung’s resignation.
She said, “They (GJM) have proposed the name of a nominated member as the GTA chief executive that can’t be entertained as per the agreement as the chief executive should be an elected member. As the people have cast their votes to elect the members, the chief should be from among the elected members.”
The GJM has decided to nominate 86-year-old Brikhu Bhusal, a nominated member of the GTA and a tailor by profession as the new incumbent. According to GJM leaders, the first part of Section 37 (8) of the GTA pact reads: “In the case of any casual vacancy in the office of the Chief Executive, caused by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the elected members shall, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, elect one of the members to fill up the vacancy.”
Banerjee today clearly stated that if the chief executive is not appointed from among the elected members, the government would convene a meeting and finalise on what is to be done next.
Earlier, with GTA deputy chief executive Ramesh Allay declining to take charge, there was much speculation about state government-nominated GTA member Durga Kharel being appointed the new chief.(EOI)