Darjeeling, the queen of hills, is all set for its municipal elections on February 27, 2022. BJP and GNLF (Gorkha National Liberation Front) alliance for civic polls have fielded their candidates in 22 wards and 10 wards respectively. Similarly, the TMC and the GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) have also shared seats where the GJM has fielded 22 candidates and TMC 10.
There will be a tough fight between the two new local parties, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) headed by Anit Thapa , ex-GJM leader and Hamro Party (Our Party) headed by Ajoy Edwards, the owner of the very famous bakery, Glenarys. The candidates have initiated a massive door to door campaign, promising to solve the problems of unequal distribution of water, traffic jams which halts the hills and above all a sense of democracy to be restored in the hills.
The elections this time are being evenly contested with several political parties as well as independent candidates having filed their nominations without facing any one party hooliganism like before.
Though most of the parties also seek for the upgradation of the civic body into a corporation which would enhance more benefaction, better finances and employment opportunities, Hamro Party President Ajoy Edwards pledges for a ‘better Darjeeling’ while giving women commissioners a chance this time. The citizens of Darjeeling who have reeled under the unfair Bengal state govt for years look forward to these elections as a silver lining and as an opportunity to bring some change in the hills.
The Darjeeling municipality is one of the 108 municipal bodies in West Bengal that will be going to polls on February 27. The Darjeeling municipality deemed to be an imperative administrative body in town is one of the oldest city administrative bodies in India vesting it’s power in the municipality Chairman. The municipality consists of the Board of Councilors with one Councilor being elected from each of the 32 wards of Darjeeling town. From among it’s elected members the Board of Councilors elects the Chairman.