Darjeeling political scenario takes a new turn, GJM moving closer to TMC

SILIGURI: Political scenario in troubled Darjeeling hills has started taking turn again indicating a new closeness between the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM) and Trinamool Congress, the ruling party of West Bengal.

While this closeness can save the administrative power of GJM leaders and thus financial flow through their hands, the redeveloped friendship can help TMC to mark its presence in the hills where it was practically non existing entity so far.

But the major question remains unanswered. Can all these plays in Darjeeling political theatre arena restore long standing peace in the hills? Or bring back the tourism dependent economy on track there that has already got ruined this festive season?

With these questions hovering on hilly air, the state chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has began her 5 days long visit there on Tuesday afternoon.

Though administration could not give any concrete, consolidated and complete itinerary of the CM, as learnt, the CM is likely to meet the GJM leaders there apart from meeting Lepcha community representatives and administrative officials.

"We want development and nothing can come before that. Thus Gorkhaland Territorial Administration(GTA) has no problem in sitting with the CM," said GJM spokesman Dr H B Chhetri.

GTA, a separate administrative body for Darjeeling at part with District development board with high administrative and financial power was formed following demand of GJM and strong persuasion of Miss Mamata Banerjee in 2010 during the days of TMC GJM handshaking. But the friendship had a crack on the issues of handing over power to GTA. That ultimately caused a bandh of over one month in Darjeeling and thus an overall large scale chaos ruining whole tourism season. And GJM has gone to back foot. Now, in order to retain power of GTA in own hand, GJM leaders must come out of the track of non cooperation to state Government.

The CM on the other hand, turning around from her 'Rough and Tough' stance on GJM leaders shown couple of days back, has also expressed interest to meet the GJM leaders. She is also meeting Lepcha community members separately to talk on the issues pertaining to Lepcha Development Board. State Government's decision to form the board had clearly caused a split in the GJM support base by tilting large portion of Lepchas more inclined towards TMC.

But, "Tactical political activities may justify political agendas of TMC or GJM. But Darjeeling needs end of this stalemate, true governance and development for its survival," said political observers.