GJM Sabhashad from Terai hints at quitting

Prashant Acharya, EOI, SILIGURI, 29 Sep 2016: Champa Bivar, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabhasad from Sukna-Panighatta constituency, has once again hinted at leaving the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. The news  comes at a time when the state government and the GTA chief are both at loggerheads regarding the allocation of funds for the GTA.

In April, she had said she could quit the GJM as the party had failed to carry out development work in Lohagarh and its surrounding areas. "I have requested the GTA several times to carry out development  work in the region. However, all my requests have fallen on deaf ears. Every year during the monsoon season, the GTA constructs diversions. Instead of building diversions, proper roads can be built,  benefitting the residents of the area," said Champa who was close to GJM chief Bimal Gurung during the early days of the party.

The Sukna-Panighatta constituency comprises Sukna, Simulbari, Lohagarh, Belgachi, Septiguri and Panighatta. Advisasis make up 60 per cent of the population in the constituency.

After the end of the Subhash Ghisingh era, the GTA came to power but it has not constructed proper roads in the area. Heavy rains washed away the bridge at section 20 of Lohagarh Tea Garden four years  ago. Since then the GTA has been constructing diversions during monsoons to just fool the people, alleged Champa.

"I am really upset with the work of the GTA and the assurance given to the Terai people," she said. My area is neglected because I belong to the Advashi community. Nepania busty is developing whereas  Advashi people dwelling in Belgachi Tea Garden are suffering with various hurdles and no development work has been carried out yet."

Despite making several requests to visit the closed Panighatta Tea Garden, both the GTA chief and chief minister Mamata Banerjee did not turn up even once to meet the suffering workers, added Champa.

In the last MLA election, the GJM received less votes as the frustrated people cast their votes to the Trinamool Congress.