Giri leaves for Delhi....Morcha MLAs also been directed to leave for Delhi

TT, Calcutta, July 16: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri and P .T. Ola, a senior Morcha leader, today left for Delhi, triggering speculations that a negotiation channel has opened with the Centre.

Giri did not confirm the development but party sources confirmed to The Telegraph that the team has left for Delhi.

"Apart from Roshan Giri and P.T. Ola, we also have other members like Shankar Adhikari (convener of the party in Terai) and Swaraj Thapa there," said the source.

Following today's development, the fast-unto-death agitation of the Yuva Morcha announced by Bimal Gurung yesterday from July 21, could also be postponed.

"We will be keeping close tabs on development that take place in Delhi from now onwards," the source said.

Sources maintain that the Centre has not officially invited the delegation for talks, but Darjeeling MP and Union minister of state S.S. Ahluwalia is in constant touch with the BJP top brass on the Darjeeling issue.

"The Morcha team is most probably in Delhi to ensure that an official communication channel opens with the Centre. A lot depends on the Centre's initiative but they have remained silent so far," an observer said.

Sources said the three MLAs of the Morcha from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong have also been directed to leave for Delhi from Calcutta after they cast their votes tomorrow. The Morcha MLAs will be voting for the NDA candidate.