While the UPA government passed the Telangana Bill in both houses of Parliament a week ago despite stiff protests, it formed an expert committee under former home secretary GK Pillai on Thursday to look into the viability of creating a Bodoland state.
This may just be the Congress playing poll politics, but those demanding statehood in various regions of the country have no doubt gained further confidence to up their demands. And pro-Gorkhaland forces here have begun responding too.
Welcoming the Centre’s initiative on Bodoland, CPRM leader Kishore Pradhan said, “Though the Congress obviously made the decision with an eye on the election, we welcome the initiative.”
He said the Congress rules both Assam and the Centre and the forces demanding Bodoland are also its supporters, hence the move.
“The move has given an apt answer to those who say existing states cannot be bifurcated,” said Pradhan. “We are of the opinion that as many as 50 new states can be created. Now, we should be given priority.”
Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh national president Enos Das Pradhan also termed the development as the Congress’ election strategy. But he pointed out that a committee has been formed in the Bodoland issue, but the government has taken no note of the Gorkhaland demand. Expressing doubts on the government’s stance towards a Gorkhaland state, Pradhan said, “The probability of the Gorkhaland demand being put aside once again is high. This is nothing but biased treatment.”
The BGP president also wondered why the GJM delegation currently in Delhi is not raising the question with vigour. However, he also said pro-Gorkhaland forces have been invited for a meeting on March 8 and this augurs well as a positive outcome may be in the offing.
In the meantime, DDUDF founder Dr. Mahendra P Lama was of the opinion that the Gorkhaland issue could not find space for discussion at the national level because of the weaknesses of the leadership here.
“The recent development has proved our agenda has never made it to Delhi. The drama of a struggle was staged only in the hills,” he said, adding, “Had our MP raised the issue properly, a committee would have been formed today along with that for Bodoland.”
GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, who is leading a party delegation in the national capital, informed they will meet the home and defence ministers on Saturday on the statehood matter. Giri said as Assam and the Centre both have Congress-ruled dispensations, a favourable environment could be created for forming a committee to look into the Bodoland issue.
“We will raise our issue with the government. The home ministry must be just towards us too,” stressed Giri.(EOIC)