DARJEELING,: With the Lok Sabha elections in Darjeeling scheduled for April 26, all eyes are on the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) as they remain tight-lipped about their stance for the upcoming polls.
Today, BJP Kurseong MLA B.P. Bajgain, who has decided to contest as an independent candidate, along with Hamro Party leader Ajoy Edwards, were seen meeting with GJM party president Bimal Gurung at the party office in Singamari, presumably to seek support in the elections.
While Bajgain and Edwards have both expressed their opposition to the BJP, Gurung refrained from making any definitive statements regarding the party’s course of action for the elections. He mentioned that a final decision would be made after an all-party meeting on March 28 followed by a party meeting the next day.
After the meeting, Edwards stated, “We met Gurung and had some personal discussions. We will announce our stand on the upcoming parliamentary election after our visit to Delhi tomorrow.”
Edwards made it clear that the Hamro Party would not be supporting the BJP, citing unfulfilled promises and the need for a third alternative for the Gorkha people.
“The BJP has not delivered their promises in the past 15 years while only lying to the people. The Gorkha people have self-pride and they know that the BJP will not do anything for the Gorkha people which is the same case in Ladakh where the BJP has not fulfilled their promises for 10 years. The Gorkha people will not vote for the TMC as well so we will put forth a third alternative for them,” he said without divulging who they plan to meet in Delhi.
On the other hand, Gurung emphasized that no concrete discussions had taken place regarding the 2024 elections, and no commitments had been made. “They (Edwards and Bajgain) had only come to meet me, and we did have some discussions. However, no serious talks have been held till now regarding the 2024 elections and I have not made any commitment to anyone yet,” said Gurung reiterating the importance of the upcoming party meetings in shaping the GJM’s strategy.
Regarding BJP candidate Raju Bista whom he had supported in the last elections, Gurung said that his support would be extended to a party committed to the welfare of the Hills and its people.
According to the Morcha leaders, Bajgain and Edwards, during the separate meetings, presented proposals for the upcoming polls, although Bajgain could not be reached for comment.
