Objection Raised Over BJP's Involvement in PMGSY Road Inspection in Kalimpong

KalimNews, December 24, 2025, Kalimpong: Kalimpong MLA, Rudan Sada Lepcha, has expressed concerns regarding the involvement of BJP workers in the inspection of Prime Minister’s Rural Development Scheme (PMGSY) road construction projects in the district. The inspection is being carried out by teams under the National Quality Monitor (NQM) and State Quality Monitor (SQM) to assess the quality of work and materials. The MLA has raised questions about the legality and appropriateness of political party workers participating in the official process.

According to information received, the NQM process is a standard procedure where teams are supposed to inspect construction sites, including the digging of pits and quality checks on materials used for road development. However, it has been reported that BJP leaders and workers have been intervening during these inspections, which the MLA believes is not in line with legal or procedural norms.

Lepcha questioned why local Panchayat leaders, committee members, or the community were not informed about the involvement of BJP workers in the NQM inspections. He pointed out that if BJP leaders or workers were involved, the intention behind their participation needs to be clarified. “What legal or departmental significance do they hold in this process? If such involvement is occurring, it must be explained,” he stated.

Further, the MLA emphasised that if political party members are taking part in these inspections, they should be accompanied by members of other political parties for transparency. He suggested that if BJP members are present during these inspections, then members of his own party should also be allowed to attend and oversee the work.

Lepcha also underlined that any political party workers participating in the NQM inspection process is inappropriate, as this is a technical and procedural exercise meant to assess road quality, not to serve any political agenda. He clarified that the participation of MPs could be understandable as they are public representatives, but the involvement of local BJP party workers, without informing the concerned Panchayat leaders or other relevant authorities, raises serious concerns.

“If BJP workers are present, our party leaders and workers should also have the right to participate. If any disturbances arise from this, BJP will be held responsible,” he added.

The MLA also reminded the public that PMGSY is a collaborative project, with both central and state governments contributing equal amounts of funding. After construction, the responsibility for maintenance and improvement of the roads lies with the state government. He stressed that local elected representatives such as MPs, Panchayat heads, and members from the concerned areas should be involved, rather than any party's members.

The involvement of political party workers in such technical inspections is a subject of concern, and the MLA has called for greater clarity on the issue. He urged that the inspection process remain free from political interference to ensure transparency and fairness in the implementation of vital infrastructure projects like PMGSY.

In conclusion, Rudan Sada Lepcha made it clear that the involvement of political party members, especially from the BJP, in such official inspections must cease. He requested that all relevant authorities ensure that the process is followed strictly as per legal and procedural guidelines, with elected representatives, not political party workers, taking part in these official inspections.