The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has declared its full support for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in all seven Assembly constituencies in Darjeeling district for the upcoming two-phase elections in West Bengal. Among these constituencies, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong are in the hills, while Matigara-Naxalbari, Phansidewa, Siliguri, and Dabgram-Fulbari are in the plains.
The BJP is set to contest all seven constituencies, with the GJM endorsing its candidates throughout the district. In contrast, the Trinamool Congress is fielding candidates in the four plains constituencies, while its hill partner, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) led by Anit Thapa, will vie for the three hill constituencies.
GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri stated that the decision to support BJP candidates aims to secure a lasting political resolution for the hills, including the call for a separate Gorkhaland state. Giri emphasized that their support for the BJP is driven by the pursuit of a permanent political solution rather than power dynamics.
While the GJM has unequivocally backed the BJP, other key players in the hills, such as the Gorkhaland National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) led by Ajoy Edwards, are yet to reveal their stance for the forthcoming Assembly elections. All seven Darjeeling district constituencies are scheduled for polling in the initial phase on April 23, with the second phase across West Bengal set for April 29 and results expected on May 4.
