Gorkha Janmukti morcha(GJM) 7th foundation day in Kalimpong

Kalimpong,Pradip Lohagun: The Kalimpong unit of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha observed the party’s seventh foundation day today at the town hall. The programme was conducted by GJM sub-divisional committee president Sarita Rai where party spokesperson Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri was the chief guest.

Several GJM leaders including GTA sabhasad Lopsang Lama, Kazim Tshering Bhutia, Kalpana Tamang and Dawa Lepcha were present at the programme. The wife of Mangal Singh Rajput, who self-immolated in July, was felicitated with khadas and financial assistance during the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Chettri spoke on the need to bring changes within the party. He came down heavily on party cadres who ignore principles while trying to gain the attention of the party chief.

He said, “We are not honest to ourselves. A group of supporters first meets the party chief and says the agitation should be strictly observed and they are ready to lay down their lives for Gorkhaland. The same group then turns volte face and spreads rumours that Bimal Gurung was hinting on providing relaxations to the bandhs. Such double talk is not new though and one finds it within every party.”

Chettri then slammed party leaders recently left the GJM to join the TMC. Accusing them of being self-centered and opportunistic, he said, “Those who have joined the TMC will know very soon it has nothing to offer them. We have heard Gautam Deb saying casual workers will be given permanent appointments. How will he do that when all the departments are under the GTA? The state government is using all possible means to force us to run the GTA. It will be difficult for those who have left us to rejoin the Morcha.”

Speaking on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the GJM spokesperson was of the opinion things after the polls might change the fate and map of Gorkhaland. He said, “The election this time is going to be very critical. The TMC will play a vital role and has an upper hand at the moment. Even the Centre has refrained from taking any decision against the Trinamool. The Congress may retain power in Delhi and there is all possibility of Mamata deciding to support it.”