Darjeeling BJP MLAs Ultimatum: Local Candidate or Independent Run

BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma from Darjeeling warns of contesting independently in the Lok Sabha polls if the party nominates an outsider, highlighting the importance of local representation.

In a significant development, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Darjeeling hills in West Bengal has issued a stern warning to the party leadership. Kurseong BJP MLA Bishnu Prasad Sharma, a prominent advocate for the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland, has declared that he will be compelled to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections independently if the party nominates an outsider as its candidate from the hills.

Historical Success and Criticism

Sharma highlighted the BJP's historical success in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat since 2009. However, he strongly criticized the party for consistently selecting candidates who lack any connection to the Darjeeling hills. Expressing his frustration, Sharma stated, "They just come, contest on the party ticket, win, and then they are nowhere to be found." He emphasized the need for a candidate with local roots, asserting, "This time, we want a good candidate, who has to be a son of the soil."

Demand for Local Representation

Sharma issued a clear warning to the party, stating, "In case the demand is not met, then I will contest as an independent candidate against my party's official candidate. I have to respect the aspirations of the masses of the hills." This bold declaration reflects the deep-rooted sentiments of the people in the Darjeeling hills, who yearn for genuine representation and a voice that truly understands their concerns.

BJP's Response

In response to Sharma's remarks, West Bengal BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya acknowledged the party's awareness of the situation and assured that a decision will be made at an appropriate time. He stated, "The party will speak to Sharma. We are keeping an eye on the situation. The issue of nomination will be decided by the party leadership, and all of us have to abide by it."

Political Unrest in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, often referred to as the "queen of the hills," has a history of political unrest. The region has long been embroiled in the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, which would grant autonomy to the tribal-inhabited region. Traditional hill parties, including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the Gorkha National Liberation Front, alongside the BJP, boycotted the semi-autonomous council elections in 2022.

Gorkhaland Statehood Movement

The demand for the region's separation from West Bengal dates back over a century, but the Gorkhaland statehood movement gained significant momentum in 1986 under the leadership of Subhash Ghisingh, the founder of the GNLF. The movement resulted in numerous casualties and culminated in 1988 with the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The region experienced further unrest in 2017 during a 104-day-long strike in the Darjeeling hills.

The current political scenario in Darjeeling highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing regional aspirations within a larger political framework. The BJP's decision regarding the nomination of a candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will have significant implications for the party's standing in the region and its ability to address the long-standing demands of the people of Darjeeling.