Anit Thapa recalls Guv's speech, pledges to remove wrong perceptions of GTA

EOI | DARJEELING | JULY 15, 2022: On the first day of taking charge of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on Friday, newly elect chief executive Anit Thapa said he would emphasize on changing the mindset of the people about the wrong perception they hads of the GTA and the West Bengal Government. 

A day earlier, on Thursday, after administering the oath of office to the GTA chief executive, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankar had castigated the GTA; terming it a den of corruption and indulging in patronages that violated rules and provision and accountability. 

"There is a wrong perception about the GTA and the State Government. Everyone heard the Bengal Governor. We have to change this. People have voted for us with the faith that we will do something. Now it will be our challenge to deliver," said Thapa. 

Thapa's party, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, won 30 seats of the total of 45, in the recently concluded GTA election. Hamro Party won 8 seats overall and the Trinamool Congress and independents five each. 

All executive members affiliated to the BGPM attended the first day of office at Lal Kothi, the GTA headquarter. Thapa said he would ensure that the oppositions would be taken into confidence to work for the people. 

"Somewhere, I feel even the opposition members believe us. The GTA is for the people. And we will not differentiate on political lines. We must work together for the welfare our region and its people," he said. 

President of Hamro Party Ajoy Edwards said the elected members of his party would work as a watchdog of the people. 

"After a long time, a strong opposition has managed to go to the GTA. We will check and balance and work as a responsible and constructive opposition in the council," he said. 

Thapa deputed Sancha Bir Subba as his deputy and said the portfolios and departments to be headed by the executive members would be finalized after a few days.