Siliguri, 28th June: Addressing the media before leaving for Kolkata, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar spoke on the alleged corruption in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). The Governor further alleged that the GTA is using crores of rupees for corruption instead of development in the hills.
“Everyone told me that the GTA isn’t working properly. It’s a matter of concern that polls have not been held since 2017. Everyone said that GTA is a den of corruption, inefficiency. I will get GTA audited by CAG,” the Governor added.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is an autonomous District Council for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong areas of West Bengal. It was formed in 2012 to replace the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which was formed in 1988 and administered the Darjeeling hills for 23 years.
Meanwhile, former GTA Chairman Anit Thapa responded to the Governor’s allegations saying, “I welcome the audit of the GTA, it is very important. The issue of audit has been raised before also and as far as I know, GTA is currently undergoing an internal audit.” Thapa further said that the people of the hills are well aware of all the works being carried out by the GTA.
Taking a jibe at Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, Thapa said “The Governor should come to the hills to work for its benefits and not just disseminate his political views.” He accused Governor of trying to incite unrest and disrupt peace in the hills.
