CPRM criticises Harka Bahadur Chhettri

In a scathing criticism, the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM) which is one of the main opposition parties from the hills, has come down heavily on the proposed new party to be headed by Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri.

Speaking at a public rally in Pedong, CPRM Central Committee Vice-President Mr. JB Rai said, “We will extend our support to the new party if and only if it sets the formation Gorkhaland statehood as its primary objective... however, we will strongly oppose any party that takes its orders from the Bengal government, which is hell bent on destroying the unity amongst the hill people.”

Mr. Rai further said, “While Mamata decries Central Government intervention in Bengal, she has left no stone unturned in interfering with the running of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

... we cannot support anyone, who supports this hypocrisy.”

Questioning the logic currently being propagated by Dr. Harka and group that we have to work with Bengal to ensure the development of our hills, Mr. Rai said, “if Mamata doesn’t need to follow Central government’s diktat, then what makes some people [Dr. Harka and group] think that we have to lick the boots of Bengal government for developing our hills?”

Castigating the formation of “development boards” for various communities, Mr. Rai said, “If Mamata is really serious about supporting the hill people... then let her issue Land-Rights to those workers who have struggled in the tea and quinine gardens of the hills for generations.”

Warning people against selling out in lure of money, Mr. Rai said, “the policy that Bengal is currently following is that of “Macher tel diye, Macher bhaja – to fry the fish in its own oil”... They are using Gorkhas to suppress the demand for Gorkhaland, and the public should be careful not to fall from the frying pan into the fire.... we should not sell-out for the lure of money... the public should not support any group blindly.”

He urged the public to support CPRM, which he claimed has veen working tirelessly and sincerely for the formation of Gorkhaland statehood.

He added, “it is shocking that today those who claimed GTA is a state within a state, and those who claimed GTA was the worst set up for the hills have joined hands and have stated to sing the “development” song... even CPRM wants development... but not at the cost of our self-respect.”(TDC)