Monday, Apr 01, 2024 09:15 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Apr 01, 2024 03:35 [IST]
DARJEELING, : The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)
today announced its support for BJP MP Raju Bista in the upcoming Lok Sabha
elections.
The
confirmation came after a meeting of the Morcha’s central committee. “We had a
meeting today in which we discussed the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and we
have decided that for the benefit of the people and the issue of the Gorkhas,
we will support BJP in the elections for the fourth time,” said GJM chief Bimal
Gurung, appealing the people from the Hills and Terrai to gather at Chowrasta
on April 3, the day of Bista's nomination filing.
The
Morcha president said that their party and the people had been suppressed for
some time now and it was time people come out as a response to that.
“We
analysed different factors and came to this decision and we are 110% confident
that we will make the BJP victorious for the fourth time and along with it,
conquer our issue,” said Gurung.
Gurung
said they recently had discussions with BJP regarding their issues and
expressed optimism about the BJP’s renewed focus on Gorkha affairs.
This
alliance marks a significant departure from GJM’s previous stance. Gurung and
his leaders after returning from a three-year exile in 2020 had criticized BJP
for betraying their cause.
Reacting
to the GJM’s support to BJP, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha president Anit
Thapa downplayed its impact, citing their victory in the recent panchayat polls
against BJP’s alliances. He added that such collaborations were not new and
would not alter their electoral prospects.
