Another GJM legislator quits party

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) legislator Trilok Kumar Dewan quit the party, which has threatened to revive the separatist movement in northern West Bengal, on Monday.

"I am resigning from the party from today. I have already prepared a letter. I have also tendered in my resignation of the seat in the house," Dewan said.

Dewan's move comes after Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri quit the GJM on Friday blaming the "autocratic" attitude of the party leadership.

Accusing the Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress government of interfering in the affairs of the autonomous Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) governing the Darjeeling hills, the GJM had announced its three MLAs would resign from the assembly in protest.

GTA chairperson and GJM supremo Bimal Gurung also threatened to revive the agitation for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Chettri had claimed that the decision on the resignation of the MLAs was taken unilaterally and charged the party leadership including Bimal Gurung of being autocratic.

Chettri has also decided to work as an independent legislator.

GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said the party was yet to receive a formal communication about the legislators' resignations.

"We have not yet received any formal communication of resignation either from Dewan or Chettri. We can comment on the issue only after we get that," Giri told IANS.

Reacting to the development, Trinamool Congress leader and North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb said that both Chettri and Dewan were able legislators and administrators.

"Since it's a matter concerning another party I am not supposed to make a comment. But both Chettri and Dewan are able legislators and administrators," said Deb.

Speculation has been rife about Chettri joining the Trinamool. However, he has refused to comment on the matter.