First signs of violence in run upto panchayat election in the hills

EOI, DARJEELING, JULY 4, 2023 : The frenzy over the first panchayat election in the hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong being held after over two decades is reaching an unfriendly stage, with the possibility of violent ramifications, as some of the contesting political parties are urging people to take law in their own hands. 

The initial spark was lit by Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha central committee leader S.P. Sharma who on Monday tore the election manifesto of the BJP-led United Gorkha Alliance combine while addressing a news conference. 

Apparently, Sharma defended his action reasoning the UGA had themselves announced publicly that the partnership was till the panchayat election on July 8 and as such the manifesto was invalid with no accountability. 

"Since the alliance is only till July 8,then what will happen after the poll? Who will be accountable for the promise being made in the manifesto? Do the people have to believe such nonsensical promises," he asked. 

The UGA comprises the BJP, Gorkha National Liberation Front, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists, the CPI(M) Gorkha Rastriya Nirman Morcha and Hamro Party.

As various social media platforms highlighted the event, GNLF secretary general and Darjeeling BJP MLA Neeraj Zimba asked people to take retaliatory measures against S.P.Sharma.

"Who is he (Sharma) to tear the election manifesto of political parties with their flags and symbols? Is there no respect?” 

He even announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh to anyone taking a retaliatory measure against S. P. Sharma. 

When reminded about the ramifications of his action, the BJP MLA said, "It is tit for tat. You will reap what you sow".

BGPM vice president. Satish Pokharel condemned Zimba's instigation saying it was not be fitting of a public figure. "Zimba is also an advocate and such words from him are unacceptable. 

Is this the impression a public figure gives to the public that violence is okay," he asked. Not to be outdone, 

Pokharel took to social media platforms and offered a reward of Rs10,000 to anyone who would take retaliatory action against a BJP candidate and recorded it on video. 

" The offer standstill July 8," he said. The youth wing of the GJM' lodged an FIR in the Sadar police station against the BGPM leader. 

"During elections such actions are provocative and can disturb peace. In fact Sharma's action is violation of the model code of conduct," said Norman Rai, general secretary of the GJM's youth wing. 

GNLF president, Mann Ghising condemned Sharma's action and advised him against taking course to such provocative measures. 

"Such actions will only ignite violence among our brethren. It gives a negative message to people in other cities about our character. I advise him(Sharma) to not indulge in such antics," he said.

In response, the BGPM leader who is also the public relations officer of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration said Zimba was trying to divert the issue. 

"It is Zimba who publicly said the alliance was only till the panchayat election Therefore it makes sense to inquire about who will be responsible to fulfill the issues raised in the manifesto after the election," said Sharma.

Observers in the hills said such irresponsible public appeals inciting people would set a bad precedent. "Anything can happen when leaders make such announcements in public. The political leaders are setting a bad example which could have greater ramifications in the coming days," said an observer not wishing to be named.