GNLF questions oath-taking venue of GTA chief

SNS, Kurseong, 31 December 2013: The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), has questioned the oath-taking of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive at Raj Bhawan in Kolkata.

Talking to reporters, GNLF spokesperson, Mr Daya Dewan said that the oath-taking should not have taken place at the Raj Bhawan, given the fact that the GTA itself is unconstitutional.

“The Governor being a part of the Constitution cannot preside over the oath-taking of the chief of an unconstitutional body,” he said.

Notably, on 26 December, GJMM chief, Mr Bimal Gurung was sworn in as the GTA chief executive by the Governor in a programme attended by the Chief Minister at Raj Bhawan in Kolkata.

Almost all the parties in the Hills, with the exception of Trinamul Congress, slammed Mr Gurung for bartering away the demand for Gorkhaland. They observed the day, Mr Gurung was sworn in on, as a day of deceit.

The GNLF observed the day as a black day.

The GNLF leader further informed that his party has been fighting litigation against the GTA.

“Several cases that challenged the constitution legitimacy of GTA are pending before the court. No Constitution amendment has been effected to give the body legitimacy. We are convinced that the final ruling would vindicate our stance on the matter,” Mr Dewan added.