Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) president and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa has issued a stern warning to party leaders allegedly involved in illegal property dealings, intimidation, and extortion. Speaking during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for three new market complexes in Darjeeling, Thapa pledged to expel any leaders found guilty of such practices.
“I am hearing complaints that some party leaders are threatening people, entering disputed properties, and targeting minority communities. Such actions will not be tolerated, and offenders will be removed from the party,” Thapa declared. He urged residents to report such incidents directly to him for swift action.
Thapa emphasised that the BGPM was established to eradicate corruption and improve governance. “Our party aims to replace these illegal activities with transparency and reform. If anyone faces issues related to private or disputed properties, they can approach me directly,” he assured.
The foundation ceremony marked the beginning of three market complexes to be constructed by the Darjeeling Municipality at an estimated cost of ₹11.63 crore. The complexes aim to address challenges like parking shortages and modernize British-era structures without displacing residents. Thapa stressed the need for proper rehabilitation for affected individuals, adding that “development should not come at the cost of people’s livelihoods.”
He also called for public support and warned against favoritism or illegal occupation of spaces in the new markets. “Allocation will be done transparently through a bidding process. Even party leaders can participate, but no backdoor methods will be allowed,” he said.
Thapa reminded party members to prioritize the town’s welfare over personal gains, acknowledging past allegations of corruption within the municipality. “Politics today requires us to think about Darjeeling‘s future, not just rely on slogans,” he said.
The new complexes, expected to be completed in 18 months, are part of a broader plan to rebuild outdated municipal buildings across Darjeeling.