BGPM gains one councillor from HP, in clear majority in Darjeeling Municipality

The HP now has 14 councillors after Lama's defection, while the BGPM now has 17 councillors

EOI, DARJEELING, 21 MARCH 2023  :  The Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha – led board of the Darjeeling Municipality gained a shot in the arm on Tuesday following a councillor of the Hamro Party joining them.

Ward 10 councillor Sudha Lama formally joined the BGPM, severing ties with the HP. Lama was welcomed in to the party by BGPM president Anit Thapa in a joining ceremony and was handed the party flag. 

Thapa said civic body councillors and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabhasads belonging to opposition parties were switching over because of the vision and the democratic way of functioning of the BGPM.

"Lot of councillors and Sabhasads are supporting our vision, positive attitude and democratic way of functioning. Councillors of the opposition bench have the capacity to work but have not been able to function properly because of their leadership. I feel the opposition councillors and Sabhasads want to be a part of the positive energy and vibe which is very essential to work for the people," he said. 

The BGPM president said it was important for political leaders to focus on positive thoughts that would help the people. "We don't believe in throwing mud or belittling others. We concentrate on working. And only come in front of the public with our achievements," said Thapa. 

The HP had won the Darjeeling civic body election, but after only nine months faced a floor test initiated by the BGPM which formed the new board. 

The HP has accused the BGPM of using money power to lure its councillors and Sabhasads which the latter has refuted. 

"It is the political duty of the opposition to oppose and create obstacles. However, as a leader we must not be affected with such distractions. I promise that the civic body and GTA family of the BGPM will get bigger in the coming days," said the BGPM president. 

Elected Sabhasad of HP, Robert Chhetri stopped short of accusing the defecting councillors and Sabhasads of being lured by monetary benefits. The HP now has 14 councillors after Lama's defection, while the BGPM now has 17 councillors with the latest joining; giving it a clear majority in the 31 seats of Darjeeling Municipality.