Political leaders in the Darjeeling hills are teaching one lesson or two on conduct to their counterparts in the plains.

While five candidates, including two women, were assaulted, during clashes between rival political groups during the third phase of the Assembly polls in the plains of Bengal on Tuesday, the scene was a contrast in the hills on Wednesday.

Keshav Raj Pokhrel, the Darjeeling candidate of the Binay Tamang camp of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, was seen hugging GNLF leader Ajoy Edwards whose party is supporting the BJP. The two leaders met while campaigning in Darjeeling town on Wednesday morning.

Around the same time, Narbu G Lama, the candidate of the Bimal Gurung camp of the Morcha, greeted Tshering Dahal, who is fielded by the Tamang faction, when they crossed each other in Kurseong. While Dahal’s party colleague Anu Chhetri hugged Lama, Dahal offered a khada to the rival candidate.

Both the factions of the Morcha are allies of the Trinamul Congress but are bitter rivals in the hills.

“After all we are one, we are Gorkhas,” Tshering was heard saying.

GNLF leader Ajoy Edwards (left) with Keshav Raj Pokhrel, the candidate of the Binay Tamang camp, in Darjeeling on Wednesday Telegraph picture

All the leaders were accompanied by their supporters and they, too, set an example by their conduct while facing each other.

Political rivalry in the hills has been intense and violent in the past. Murders of political rivals, attack on houses and even social boycott were once regular in the hills.

For almost four decades, the hills have been a one-party dominated region with leaders and supporters of rival organisations mostly being at the receiving end.

Many believe mutual respect for political leaders has been on the rise in the hills for the past few years.

“Maybe it is because not a single political party is a dominant force in the hills now. However, one has to admit the political atmosphere has become better in the hills,” said an observer.