"Today is a very happy day for all of us, as my brothers and sisters of Darjeeling have decided to participate in the democratic process of elections next month," Banerjee said in her latest post on Facebook.
"Truly Darjeeling is now smiling. Peace, development and Prosperity will bring new era in Darjeeling. On this happy occasion I congratulate all my brothers and sisters of Darjeeling," she said.
The GJM, which is unhappy that its demand for inclusion of Gorkha-dominated areas in the plains it wants added to the jurisdiction of the GTA has not been met, however, decided yesterday to take part in the elections on July 29 to the 45 seats in the hill council.
The party will contest the elections on its own. Altogether nine parties, including the Congress and Trinamool Congress, have so far decided to contest the polls.
GJM president Bimal Gurung has not yet decided on whether to contest as he was upset over the state government appointed Justice (retd) Shyamal Sen Committee which went into the inclusion of Gorkha-dominated areas in the plains in the Terai and Dooars in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts. MORE