DARJEELING: Mamata Banerjee got a cold welcome in Darjeeling on Tuesday.
In a clear sign of the bonhomie being put on ice, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and the chief minister crossed swords at a public meeting at Darjeeling Mall. While Gurung expressed his annoyance over the state government's stepping on new Hills council's toes, Mamata was irked by the display of Gorkhaland posters and warned that "she can be rough and tough".
Mamata made it clear that she won't let Bengal be carved up. Later in the evening, Gurung said the CM "gives pain whenever she visits the Hills". But he quickly toned down his stand and said the Morcha was cooperating with the government.
Gone was the euphoria of 2011 in the wake of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) accord. It took five hours for the CM to cover 50-odd km of winding hill roads to Darjeeling, as huge crowds swarmed the convoy every now and then and showered her with flowers and welcome banners. This time, a cold silence greeted her. And hundreds of banners saying: "We want Gorkhaland."
Mamata smiled and waved at the crowds, but they didn't wave back. On the dais, there was a hardening of stance between the state and its own creation — GTA. And when Mamata started distributing land pattas to 10 beneficiaries, Gurung could not conceal his anger at not being consulted or even informed about it. "It is a historic day. In fact, I am feeling ashamed to even extend a welcome to the chief minister on behalf of the GTA," he said.
The underlying tension came out in the open soon after Mamata ended her 10-minute speech, listing the upcoming government projects in the Hills. Some GJM supporters waved Gorkhaland placards right in front of the CM and she was getting restless.
Sensing her mood, Gurung appealed to the crowd to maintain calm. But then, the CM took over and warned GJM supporters: "Stop shouting slogans. I can be rough and tough in this regard. This is a government programme. You can raise such slogans at a party programme." Mamata pointed out that tourism was booming again. "The GTA is in place and things are moving smoothly. We don't need any confusion."
"I am hearing disturbing things from the Hills recently. But let me tell you that Bengal will not be carved. I have not come to the hills to 'capture' it, but to work together with the GTA for prosperity. Let us remain together," she said, urging Morcha supporters to look at development rather than harp on the Gorkha identity. "We need to develop the Hills and for this I will come here every time as it is my right," the CM added. Morcha supporters shouted back: "We don't want development. We want Gorkhaland."
Gurung then spoke up: "Land comes under GTA jurisdiction. But we were bypassed (on the pattas). The list of beneficiaries was not given to us. What was the need for such a high profile person to undertake such a small initiative that could have been done by GTA members," Gurung asked. "Interference on the jurisdictions of GTA cannot be tolerated," he warned, adding that such mistakes can lead to "big problems in future".
Later, at a press conference, Gurung said: "Whenever she (Mamata) comes to Darjeeling she gives small pain. She may have her political benefits but she must understand when and where to say things." He asserted that the Gorkhaland issue would be raised automatically along with the Telangana demand. "Gorkhaland is our sentimental demand. It is obvious that people will get upset when she comes to the Hills and says Bengal will not be divided."
Mamata, Gurung in war of words over Gorkhaland
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Mamata, Gurung in war of words over Gorkhaland
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Mamata, Gurung in war of words over Gorkhaland
