Dissatisfaction over reservation in forthcoming Municipality election

SNS, Kurseong: Several organisations and associations in Kurseong, including the Kurseong town committee of the Hill Trinamul Congress, and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), have expressed dissatisfaction over the roster or ‘seat reservation’ draft issued by the Darjeeling district administration in connection with the upcoming hills municipalitie's election. 

It was learnt that on July 1 the Darjeeling District Magistrate had issued a draft regarding the reservation of seats of the upcoming municipality election in the hills. In the draft, the district magistrate has also mentioned that if anyone has any objection or advice on the matter, they can place their respective grievances or suggestion before them. 

Talking to reporters, the Hill TMC Kurseong town leaders, Sunil Pradhan and Aarif Khan said that they are really disappointed with the draft reservation roster for the upcoming municipality election. 

They also said that in Kurseong Municipality, there are a total of 20 wards, and it is really unfortunate that out of the 20 wards, only one seat has been reserved for the Scheduled Caste community. 

Hence, from their side, they will make a demand and suggestion that out of 20 wards of the KM, at least four seats must be given to the SC and ST candidates, including both male and female. 

Not only this; out of 20 seats of municipality, altogether 10 seats should be reserved for women. 

At the same time, GNLF spokesperson Daya Dewan said that there are some wards where again the seat has been reserved for women. 

Hence, from the GNLF side, they want a rectification on the matter. 

The Scheduled Caste Uthan Samiti, Kurseong, has also objected and expressed their grievances on the matter. 

The Samiti president, Mr. Ashok Biswakarma, said that previously, three to two seats had been reserved for the SC in the Kurseong municipality election but this time, only a seat has been given to them. 

Hence, they are demanding at least two seats for the SC candidate. 

He added that on Monday they will file a memorandum to the Kurseong SDO and Darjeeling DM, seeking a rectification.