Darjeeling, October 03: Mamata Banerjee’s recent visit to Darjeeling and her discussions with hill outfits, including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has caused panic among the CPM leaders who are apprehensive about its impact on the forthcoming polls for 12 Assembly seats in the Darjeeling-Dooars-Terai region.
Nepali-speaking voters will play a decisive role in these constituencies and Banerjee’s tacit understanding with the hill leaders may swing the poll result in her favour, feel the CPM leaders.
According to the ruling party, the Trinamool will pose a challenge in South Bengal districts, apart form Junglemahal where CPM has hold on 37-38 seats of 42 Assembly seats. Banerjee has targeted this segment and is now focusing on hills and the adjoining areas for electoral gains, feels senior CPM leaders.
Following Banerjee’s September 26 visit to Darjeeling, CPM leaders including Bhattacharjee and state party secretary Biman Bose held discussions with the party members and are said to be apprehensive about their poll prospects in North Bengal, especially in the Dooars region, said party sources.
CPM sources said, the GJM has strong presence in nine assembly constituencies, apart from three constituencies in Darjeeling hill areas. In these areas the GJM can influence Nepali-speaking people.
“We apprehend the GJM will try to forge a deal with the Trinamool to maintain their existence in the hills. We have decided to campaign against the GJM on the issue of separating Darjeeling from Bengal,” said a senior CPM leader.
Ashok Bhattacharya, the CPM leader from Darjeeling and state Urban Development minister, said the visit of the Railway Minister was aimed at forging a deal with the GJM for the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for May 2011.
——–Agencies