Kalimpong, June 15: GNLF leader C.K. Kumai has resigned as the chairman of the Kalimpong Municipality as well as the councillor of his ward.

Morcha leader and councillor of Ward 7 Norden Lama said Kumai sent in his papers to the civic body’s board of councillors late last night. “We will now request the vice-chairman, K.H. Subba, to convene a meeting of the board at the earliest,” Lama added.

Kumai had been under pressure to resign after the majority of GNLF councillors shifted their allegiance to the Morcha. In the 23-member board, the Morcha currently enjoys the support of 14 councillors, while the rest are still with the GNLF.

Despite repeated attempts, Kumai could not be contacted today.

The GNLF leader had been clinging on to his post after defeating a no-trust motion against his board on January 24. The majority of the GNLF councillors crossed over to the Morcha afterwards, but the municipality rules do not allow another no-trust motion to be tabled before the elapse of six months.