Election rallies mark nomination day in Hills

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: Election fever spilled onto the streets of Darjeeling and Kurseong on Thursday as candidates from various political parties filed their nominations, accompanied by vibrant rallies that showcased their strength.

In Kurseong, nominations were filed by BJP candidate Sonam Lama and Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) nominee Bandana Rai. In Darjeeling, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) candidate Bijoy Kumar Rai filed his nomination.

Addressing a gathering at Chowrasta, BGPM president Anit Thapa said, “Our candidates filed their nominations in Kurseong and Kalimpong yesterday. Looking at the turnout there and today in Darjeeling, I feel our victory is certain in all three places. The body language of the people suggests we have already won.”

Speaking about the Darjeeling candidate, Thapa stressed the need to send an educated representative to the Assembly.

In Kalimpong, the BGPM has fielded Ruden Sada Lepcha, while Amar Lama is its candidate for Kurseong.

The BGPM rally, which began at Chowrasta, saw large crowds participating with songs and music, with many dancing to tunes played over loudspeakers. Several participants were seen wearing traditional attire.

Meanwhile, in Kurseong, the rally accompanying BJP candidate Sonam Lama saw participation from supporters of both the BJP and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. Supporters carried party flags and raised slogans urging people to vote for their candidate. Musicians playing traditional instruments were also part of the procession.

Addressing the gathering, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said, “The year 2026 will bring change in West Bengal. I urge people to vote for Sonam. This is not a vote to make someone lose, but for the victory of the Gorkha community.”

“After the poll results are announced on May 4, we will cancel the GTA the very next day. Committees will also be formed to look into corruption in the GTA and investigate properties in the GTA area that have been leased out,” he added.

Bista further promised a political solution for the Hills, Terai and Dooars within six months after the elections.

Speaking from the sunroof of a vehicle, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president Bimal Gurung said, “The BJP has fielded a candidate from Kurseong itself, while the BGPM could not find a local candidate and had to bring in Amar Lama, who was rejected by Darjeeling.”

The BJP has nominated Bharat Chettri from Kalimpong and its ally, Morcha leader Noman Rai, from Darjeeling. Both are yet to file their nominations.

In Kurseong, a convoy also accompanied IGJF candidate Bandana Rai during her nomination filing. She was seen waving to supporters from a sunroof vehicle alongside IGJF chief convenor Ajoy Edwards, as slogans of “Parivartan” (change) filled the air.

“If you give us a chance, we will bring change from the top. Our victory will be your victory,” said Rai, adding that the IGJF is the only party to have fielded a “daughter of the soil” from Kurseong.

Edwards said the party would also hold “Parivartan” rallies in Kalimpong and Darjeeling. He added that they no longer trust the BJP and criticised the BGPM for making personal attacks on his education.

“People want good leadership that works for them,” he said.

Edwards is contesting from Darjeeling, while Bhernone Britto Lepcha is the party’s candidate from Kalimpong. Both are expected to file their nominations in the coming days. The last date for filing nominations is April 6.