Gopal Lama lands in controversy over Gorkhaland statement

Lama on Tuesday in Siliguri purportedly issued a statement that winning the election on development plank would help people forget the statehood demand. 

EOI, DARJEELING, MARCH 13, 2024 : A day after being welcomed to the hills as a candidate for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, former bureaucrat and Trinamool Congress nominee Gopal Lama has found himself embroiled in a controversy. 

Hamro Party president Ajoy Edwards on Wednesday accused Lama of beinng insensitive towards the demand of a a separate state of Gorkhaland. Edwards said Lama on Tuesday in Siliguri purportedly issued a statement that winning the election on development plank would help people forget the statehood demand. 

“The BGPM is fielding a candidate under the symbol of Trinamool Congress in this year's election. In Siliguri in his reply to a question Lama said his party's issue was development; and that once the region was developed, people would forget Gorkhaland. 

We condemn such irresponsible statements and will ensure that he loses the election," he said. 

Lama's name was proposed by Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha President Anit Thapa and accepted by Trinamool Congress Chairperson Mamata Banerjee. 

“What Lama said is contrary to the stand of the BGPM President. Thapa has said they are fielding a Gorkha candidate to ensure victory of the community. Lama's statement reflects importance to development and not the Gorkha issue. This is similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving vague assurances to the people," said Edwards. 

"Our people have sacrificed their lives and livelihood for Gorkhaland. We will not allow our demand to be forgotten. We feel in the event of Lama becoming an MP and giving such statements in Parliament, it will have a negative effect on our community," Edwards said. 

The Trinamool candidate and BGPM leaders were unavailable for their comment on the allegations.