After voting, Edwards names it 'Hamro Party'

SNS, KURSEONG, 25 NOVEMBER 21 : Former Darjeeling branch president of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and noted social worker Ajoy Edwards today announced the name of the political party that he plans to float soon. While Mr Edwards had floated at least four names and sought people's votes for the name of his party, he announced today that the public had voted for the name 'Hamro Party.'

Mr Edwards had in August last expressed his displeasure at GNLF chief Man Ghisingh on some issues and had severed ties with the party Later, on 6 September, he officially announced his resignation from the party, while also announcing that he would be floating a new party in the Hills.

A large number of Edwards supporters and other representatives or leadership from the Edwards' team from different places converged in Mirik in Darjeeing hills today to formally witness the announcement of the party name and unveiling of the party flag. "This is a historic day. The new party has been named after taking suggestions from all the people. As such, this is a party for all of us and this is our party," Mr Edwards said.

On the main issues his new party would take forward, Mr Edwards said that in the last 35 years, basic issues of the common people, medical education, healthcare, economic issues etc had been neglected or overlooked in Darjeeling hills.

"Respecting the main demand of the Gorkhas, a separate state of Gorkhaland, we will take forward all the important and basic issues of the common people," he said.

Asked about planned elections to the Gorkhaland Territorial administration, Mr Edwards said that because they belong to a political party they will participate in all elections, even the GTA one.

On whether his new party will go for an alliance with other parties, he said that he would move forward "in alliance with neither the center nor the state, but the people."

He further said that there were many issues which have not been raised or resolved because people had been working like "puppets" of the state government.