Mamata blames Congress for 'communal tussle' in Darjeeling

Without naming either Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM)or Congress, Mamata Banerjee blamed the two parties for disturbances in Darjeeling. Maintaining her closeness with GJM, the CM held INC responsible behind the freshly brewing up political crisis in Darjeeling hills. She urged Congress as well as GJM to remain away from any activity that could initiate any communal crisis or push the state towards a split.
To protest against 'apathy by the state Government' GJM is now on warpath with a series of bandhs, meetings, deputation and Dharna plans. "There are people trying to create chaos in the hills by instigating communal tussle between communities for electoral benefit in one parliamentary seat. We know who those people are. I am not going to tolerate these initiatives. I will not allow anyone to split Bengal," Mamata said today at a public meeting in Khariya Bandar field in Jalpaiguri district.
The result of Darjeeling parliamentary constituency is traditionally decided by the tilt of Nepali speaking Gorkha community, now mostly under the flag of GJM. TMC's closeness with the GJM resulted many electoral gains in last state assembly election for Mamata Banerjee and her party. In return, GJM had a separate autonomous body, Gorkkhaland Territorial Administration established under active initiative of CM. But, on many financial and administrative questions, TMC and GJM developed a rift.
Central minister and wife of senior Congress leader Mrs. Deepa Dasmunshi, allegedly having ego issues with Mamata Banerjee, entered the field followed by S Malakar. The duo catalyzed GJM's recent meet with senior central Ministers to table their grievances against state Government. "With GJM's friendship, Congress is trying to make sure Darjeeling seat in next Lok Sabha election in own favour," a political observer said. GJM's electoral support during last Lok Sabha election led to BJP candidate Jaswant Singh's victory .
"GJM leaders should realize how they have been so far used by their so called friends BJP, TMC and now INC," said former WB Minister and CPI (M) leader, Ashok Bhattacharya.