The demand for a separate district carved out of the Kalimpong sub-division in the Darjeeling hills is set to change of the course of politics in the region. The issue has gained ground recently, with Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri raising the pitch for it.
Earlier this month, committees were established in different areas of the sub-division to highlight the demand. Mr. Chettri has conducted several meetings to promote the cause.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Chettri, who severed his ties with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) recently after defying the party’s whip to resign as member of the West Bengal Assembly, explained the geographical, economic and political necessity for a new district. “The Kalimpong sub-division occupies 34 per cent of the total area of Darjeeling district. It covers over 1,056 sq km. There are places which take days to reach from the sub-division headquarters,” he said.
While Darjeeling’s economy depends on tea, Kalimpong’s depends on agriculture and horticulture, he said. Politically, a separate district would ensure that Kalimpong would not be ignored in development.
Many citizens of Kalimpong are backing the demand. “Kalimpong district should have been created at least two decades ago. Once created, it is sure to help in the development of Kalimpong,” said Sandip Jain, Editor of Himayalan Times.
The GJM, the most important political force in the Darjeeling hills, has also supported the demand. Its general secretary Roshan Giri has said the GJM was the first make the demand. Asked whether a new district would not affect the GJM’s demand for Gorkhaland, he said: “The more the number of districts in the region the better for Gorkhaland.”
Mr. Chettri, however, called the GJM leadership a confused lot and said the GJM’s support to the cause may cause more harm than good, given the party’s strained relationship with the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Political observers feel the creation of a new district is a matter of time. It is also interesting to note that a number of development boards set up by the State government for the Lepcha and Tamang communities have been based in Kalimpong. In these circumstances, the new-found bonhomie between the Kalimpong MLA and the Trinamool Congress cannot be overlooked. In the fast-changing political climate of the hills, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s coming visit to Kalimpong is significant.
“The sub-division occupies 34 per cent of the total area of Darjeeling district, covering 1,056 sq km.”
