MP Lama blames Bimal Gurung for static development in Darjeeling hills

Renowned educationist and former vice chancellor of Central University of Sikkim, Dr Mahendra P Lama has blamed the GTA for sluggish development in the hills, accusing the hill body of being wielded by the state government just to administer the region. Sharpening his attack on the GJM chief Bimal Guung, Lama said: “The GTA has failed to work effectively in the Darjeeling hills as it is always running under the clutches of the Trinamool run state government. There are not much important development works done by the department, as people in many remote villages are still deprived of basic necessities. GTA chief Bimal Gurung and his aides should learn foresightedness, as it seems they are unable to see history repeating itself in the hills. During the administration of the GNLF party headed by Subash Ghising, the CPIM who was in power then cleverly devised the DGHC to sidetrack the party from the statehood demand. Likewise, following the footsteps of its arch rival, the TMC coined the GTA to distract Gurung and his party from demanding Gorkhaland. If the situation persists for long, then the GTA chief may have to shoulder all that Subash Ghising underwent.  
“The TMC has built the GTA as a helicopter for the people of Darjeeling hills, but fitted the wheels of a tractor underneath. So how can the engine take flight? Inert polity and static development in the region will one day lead to vigorous agitation which would pulverize not only Darjeeling district but also north Bengal,” said Lama speaking to Hindusthan Samachar over the phone.
Expressing happiness over the Kailash Masarovar pass being opened in Sikkim, Lama said, “In the years 2005 and 2006, I had sent a report to the Centre asking for opening of the route wherein I had even mentioned areas of north Bengal such as Malbazaar, Gorubathan and Pedong be opened for the sacred pilgrimage.” Opening of the routes will boost the economy of the region, he added. (HS)