First it was Lepcha development board, then another for Tamang. Besides these, other 10 major communities like Gurung, Manger, Rai. Bhujel, Khkas, Jogi etc have been proposed by the state to be included into the list of Schedule Tribes.
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| Mamata Banerjee |
As outcome, “We have conferred the title – ‘KINGTSOOM DAARMIT,’ meaning ‘Goddess of Prosperity,’ to Mamata Didi for her initiative to form Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board(MLLDB),” said Mr. L. S. Tamchang, President, Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association(ILTA). ILTA is the umbrella body for around 1.5 lakh Lepcha population in West Bengal out of which, over 80% resides in Darjeeling hills.
Going one step ahead, Najo Glan, chief advisor of Tamang Youth Association has openly declared support of his community in favor of TMC in next parliament election. As estimated, Tamangs constitute near 7% of Darjeeling’s populace.
Though there are questions on the official recognition, status, strength or jurisdiction of these bodies among the political observers and even administrators, majority of the people in these communities, largely at lower level of academic strata, are too happy.
Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM), the de-facto term dictator in Darjeeling hills have always been with a scintillating relationship with state Government. Its separate Gorkhaland statehood movement had always been supported by entire mongoloid populace section comprising all these ethnic communities. The party is not likely to support TMC in the next parliament election.
By playing these development board cards, Mamata is trying to ensure many benefits. “At first, this will split up the support base of GJM making it weaker in its separate statehood movement. This successful political suppression of a separate statehoood movement will brighten her image at national level. Secondly, Darjeeling parliamentary constituency, with around 25% of its electorate role from these communities will become a easy game for TMC. And thirdly, fight against lefts in three other seats in foothills with high concentration of these communities, will become easier for TMC,” said political analysts.
By playing these development board cards, Mamata is trying to ensure many benefits. “At first, this will split up the support base of GJM making it weaker in its separate statehood movement. This successful political suppression of a separate statehoood movement will brighten her image at national level. Secondly, Darjeeling parliamentary constituency, with around 25% of its electorate role from these communities will become a easy game for TMC. And thirdly, fight against lefts in three other seats in foothills with high concentration of these communities, will become easier for TMC,” said political analysts.
Source: economictimes
