GJM Pledges Unwavering Support to BJP Candidates Across Darjeeling
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Kolkata, March 27 (NationPress) The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), established by Bimal Gurung, officially declared its unconditional backing for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates across all seven Assembly constituencies in the Darjeeling district for the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal next month.
Among the seven constituencies in Darjeeling district, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong are situated in the hills, whereas Matigara-Naxalbari, Phansidewa, Siliguri, and Dabgram-Fulbari are in the plains.
The BJP is set to contest in all seven constituencies, and the GJM has committed its support to the party’s candidates throughout the district.
Conversely, the Trinamool Congress has nominated candidates for the four plains constituencies, while its hill ally, the Anit Thapa-led Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), is set to contest in the three hill constituencies.
On Friday, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri informed the media that the party's leadership has chosen to support the BJP candidates in Darjeeling district to pursue a lasting political resolution for the hills, which includes the call for a separate Gorkhaland state.
“Our political stance is not about positions and power. We must support the BJP to secure a permanent solution for the hills. If the BJP gains power in the state, we will achieve a lasting solution. Without change in the state, a solution is unattainable. To sustain regional political parties, we must collaborate,” Giri stated.
While the GJM has provided unconditional support to the BJP, two other significant groups in the hills — the Gorkhaland National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Ajoy Edwards-led Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) — have yet to clarify their support in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Polling for all seven constituencies in Darjeeling district will commence in the first phase on April 23. The second phase of voting in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29. The results will be made public on May 4.