GNLF announces support to BJP for Bengal polls

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) on Sunday finally made its stand clear and announced its support to the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.

The GNLF, which was in alliance with the BJP in past elections, had kept its decision close to its chest this time following the announcement of BJP candidates for the three Assembly seats in the Hills.

This time, instead of fielding GNLF leader Neeraj Zimba from the Darjeeling constituency, the BJP announced the name of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Noman Rai for the Darjeeling seat. In Kurseong, it has fielded BJP leader Sonam Lama, while former Indian hockey team captain Bharat Chettri has been fielded from Kalimpong.

Many party leaders were unhappy with the BJP’s decision to drop Zimba, who had won twice from the Darjeeling seat on a BJP ticket.

The GNLF today maintained that the decision to support the BJP in the polls was taken at a central committee meeting.

Addressing the media after the meeting, GNLF vice president N.B. Chhetri said, "Since GNLF is a constituent of the NDA, the party has decided to extend its support to the BJP."

He also spoke on the letter sent by BJP president Nitin Nabin to GNLF president Mann Ghising, seeking their support.

The letter, dated April 2, stated that their "alliance is built on shared values of nationalism, mutual trust and a common commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people." It further said that the upcoming Bengal elections were "crucial for ensuring a bright future for the people of the Darjeeling region and West Bengal in general," and sought the GNLF’s support.

On the other hand, the GNLF also observed its 46th Foundation Day today.

At the programme, the GNLF president said, "The party has not worked merely with a focus on April 23 and May 4, but has also looked beyond those dates and towards the future." He emphasised that the future and the issues of the community were greater than the elections.

He said that no one appeared to be concerned about the community’s core issues, and stressed the need for a constitutional arrangement for the Gorkha community.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, thanking the GNLF for its decision, said, "GNLF has been an important and integral part of the NDA Alliance since 2019, and their decision to support the BJP Alliance candidates in the upcoming election further strengthens the unity among our Gorkha people and the BJP Alliance partners."

"While we all represent different political parties, we are all driven by a greater purpose to ensure justice for the people of the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars. The hills are once again united against the TMC and those who are working to destroy Gorkha unity," he added.