Review - 1940’s: Scramble for Darjeeling

Wednesday, 19 June 2013 23:39

Apropos 1940’s: Scramble for Darjeeling Part I by S.S.Tamang

Darjeeling with Bengal: A source of perpetual political discomfort

Wednesday, 19 June 2013 23:39

Apropos Darjeelingtimes.com 7 March 2012, the article “Darjeeling with Bengal: A source of perpetual political discomfort”.

In the very inception reference is made to, “first provincial election on 1 April 1937” when a coalition government was formed in the Province of Bengal within British India. Damber Singh Gurung won the election on 25 March 1937 and became the sole representative of Darjeeling District (a Partially Excluded Area under the Act of 1935) in the Bengal Legislature. S.W.Ladenla, an eminent figure in the District was one amongst the three candidates for the Darjeeling seat, but who unfortunately suddenly died in Kalimpong while in campaign. His sudden death, away from his home in Darjeeling is merged in deep controversy for more reasons than one which happened to be his relentless demand for separation of Darjeeling District and the Dooars outside Bengal. This demand quite unknown to most literates and self declared politicians of all hues, literally did not mean the connotation of its translation which is most puzzling while elucidating the true perspection of the terminology “Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas”(Act of 1935 and Order 1936). The phrase literally transliterated implied the territories so designated were ‘excluded’ from the imposition of both Central and Provincial legislative laws and regulations.