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.