Manas R. Bannerjee, SNS, Siliguri, March 23, 2025 : Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and president of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), Anit Thapa, has emphasised the need for a three-tier Panchayat system, including Zilla Parishads, to drive development in Darjeeling and the separate district of Kalimpong. This comes amid lingering scepticism among a section of the Gorkha community regarding the GTA’s effectiveness. While some continue to demand a Permanent Political Solution (PPS) from the Centre and the state, others persist in their call for a separate Gorkhaland state.
On February 19, 2025, Mr. Thapa met Pradip Kumar Majumdar, Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development, and formally requested the establishment of Zilla Parishads for Darjeeling and Kalimpong, along with the necessary infrastructure to support the upper tier of the three-tier Panchayat system. His push for Zilla Parishads comes after the recent two-tier rural polls held in the Hills after decades, which led to the formation of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis in both Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Historically, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad were established following constitutional amendments in response to the prolonged agitation for Gorkhaland during Subash Ghising’s leadership. Mr. Thapa’s initiative marks a significant step in addressing the region’s administrative and developmental needs, sources said.
Speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony in Lebong Badamtan, Thapa outlined his vision for the Hills. “We are in a race of new ideas. During the GTA elections, we promised to restore the Panchayati system, and we have delivered on that promise. Work has begun in the Panchayats, with our representatives leading the way. Now, we aim to establish Zilla Parishads in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Every district in the country has a district council — why should ours be an exception? We will explain this to the government, and they will understand,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the region’s political trajectory, Mr. Thapa highlighted the shift from destructive struggles to constructive governance. “In the past, our battles lacked direction. In 2017, when the Hills were engulfed in chaos, we embarked on a new journey to guide the region toward progress. You are all part of this journey,” he said.
Anit Thapa also emphasised the ideological foundation of BGPM’s politics, distancing it from the pursuit of power or votes. “Our politics is about nurturing new and constructive ideas. Some try to erase our ideology, questioning my courage and determination. But I don’t need to prove myself to anyone—I channel my strength to protect the people. The fire of 2017 tested me, and it was my resolve that saw me through,” he remarked.
Critiquing the prevailing political culture in the Hills, Mr. Thapa pointed out the tendency to prioritise agitation over progress. “Politics here often thrives on distractions. Those who shout the loudest and act recklessly capture attention, while people risk losing sight of what truly matters—like their land documents. We focus more on what we lose than what we gain. But during elections, people realise that peace is essential for development. That’s why they elected us. However, the Hills’ mindset remains rooted in agitation. Our thoughts instinctively turn to protest at the slightest provocation. If we don’t adopt a progress-oriented mindset now, we will suffer again. It’s time to move from agitation to progress,” he pointed out.
