Putting an end to prolonged speculation, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) has formally announced its support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The declaration was made on Sunday, coinciding with the party’s 46th Foundation Day, with the GNLF confirming support for BJP candidates in the three hill constituencies as part of the NDA alliance.
The announcement came during an event organised by the party’s Kurseong branch committee. The programme was presided over by party president Mann Ghisingh and anchored by branch secretary Yudhe Chettri.
Among those present were outgoing MLA Neeraj Zimba, central committee vice president NB Chettri, and general secretary Rishi Thapa, along with several party leaders, workers, and supporters.
Focus on ‘long-term interests’ of Gorkha community
Addressing the gathering, Mann Ghisingh emphasised that the decision was guided by long-term considerations rather than immediate electoral gains.
“The party is not working solely with a specific election in mind; rather, it is prioritising the long-term future and the interests of the Gorkha community. We seek not merely a change of power, but a systemic change, and we will continue to press our demand for a constitutional framework for the Gorkha community,” he said.
During the Central Committee meeting held on Foundation Day, key decisions regarding the Assembly elections were finalised.
Speaking to reporters, NB Chettri stated that the move aligned with the party’s position within the NDA. He revealed that BJP National General Secretary Nitin Nabin had written to Mann Ghisingh seeking support, following which the GNLF decided to back BJP candidates “in the greater interest of the Hills.”
BJP welcomes move, sees strategic boost
Welcoming the decision, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed gratitude to the GNLF leadership and cadre.
“Since 2019, the GNLF has been a vital component of the NDA, and this support will further strengthen the alliance in the upcoming elections,” he said.
Bista added that the alliance aims to ensure justice for the Gorkha population across the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars, while countering attempts to weaken Gorkha unity.
Political analysts believe that the GNLF’s endorsement could significantly influence the electoral dynamics of the Darjeeling Hills. The consolidation of the Gorkha vote bank is expected to provide a strategic advantage to the NDA in the region.
Opposition criticises decision
However, the move has drawn criticism from opposition quarters. BJP-M spokesperson Shakti Prasad Sharma alleged that the GNLF had little choice but to support the BJP.
“At this juncture, the GNLF had no alternative but to support the BJP. They are compelled to offer their support, albeit reluctantly,” Sharma said. He further claimed that the party’s decision was influenced by the lack of ticket allocation and organisational challenges, suggesting that contesting independently would have led to defeat.
With the hills emerging as a key battleground ahead of the Assembly elections, the GNLF-BJP alignment is expected to add a new dimension to the political contest in the region.
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