Nabanna behind Darj political developments, claims Darjeeling MP: CPI (M) slams 'fascistic approach'

SNS, SILIGURI, 28 DECEMBER 2022: Darjeeling's BJP MP Raju Bista lashed out at the TMC state government and said Nabanna, the government headquarters, was behind the political development.

"What has happened in Darjeeling Municipality today is another over-reach by Kolkata and their meddlin gin Hill politics, with an aim to disturb peace in our region. We are all very aware that the whole show is being orchestrated from Nabanna, and what happened today had been planned months in advance by the state government. TMC has never respected democracy and they will use all dubious methods to undermine democracy and work against the mandate of the people from our region," Mr Bista said in a statement.

"I am saddened that politicians from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars find to see how their factionalism is making Gorkhas suffer. Instead of uniting, we are dividing further and further into smaller entities.

The actual song is being played from Kolkata while those in the hills are only dancing to their

tunes. We have to ponder, who has benefited the most out of the division among our own people," he added. According to him, division among the Gorkhas only strengthened the "anti-Gorkha agenda."

"We have to become aware of the root cause, instead of fighting in the surface. This politics of faction and factionalism is being orchestrated to end our Gorkha autonomy, and our ability to stand for ourselves. Instead of so many divisions, it is high time that all of us come under one roof and demand our rights," he said.

CPI (M) slams 'fascistic approach'

Secretary of the CPI (M) Darjeeling District Committee Saman Pathak also hit out at what he called was a "fascistic approach of politics."

"We strongly condemn the undemocratic process which resulted in horse trading in Darjeeling Municipality to topple the elected civic body that came in power through people's mandate. Unhealthy politics shows zero tolerance to democracy today. In this context, it is relevant to share that they have followed the same trend of authoritative approach of ruling parties of the State and Centre," Mr Pathak said.

"On behalf of the CPI (M) Darjeeling District Committee, we appeal to common people of our district in general and the habitants of Hills in particular to raise voices, because only collective resistance of common people can stop such fascistic approach of politics," he added.

Former Siliguri mayor and former state urban development and municipal affairs minister, Asok Bhattacharya said he had sensed a possibility of instability in Hill politics when the "Trinamul Congress had orchestrated a move to capture the elected civic board at Darjeeling municipality led by Hamro Party."

"We do not want any fresh political turmoil in the Hills, as it would be an onslaught on democracy, as people have elected a party. Trinamul Congress has been doing this tactic everywhere," the veteran CPI-M leader said.

Siliguri's BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh said they were closely observing the development in the Hills.