Bimal Gurung reiterates ‘permanent political solution’ for Gorkhaland, Union Territory

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung on Sunday reiterated his long-standing demand for a permanent political solution for the Hills, Terai and the Dooars region in north Bengal. However, he underlined that the settlement should be “within the framework of the Constitution.”

Gurung was speaking at a victory celebration at Birpara-Madarihat after the BJP snatched the reins of power from the TMC in Bengal while the GJM-backed candidate Laxman Limbu emerged victorious from the Madarihat Assembly constituency.

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Gurung said the demand for a constitutional and permanent political settlement has consistently been raised before the Centre.

“We have repeatedly discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Home Minister had also assured us before the elections that there would be a permanent political solution within the framework of the Constitution,” Gurung said.

Gurung said the GJM had already placed its demands before the interlocutor appointed by the Centre.

“We clearly stated our demand before the interlocutor – either Gorkhaland or Union Territory. That demand remains under discussion. At present, however, our immediate priority is a permanent political solution for the Hills and Terai-Dooars including the 296 mouzas , within the constitutional framework, considering the majority Gorkha population of the region,” he said.

The Government of India appointed retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as the interlocutor to engage with stakeholders in the Darjeeling Hills and examine the aspirations of the people, including their demand for a permanent political solution and a resolution of their identity-related concerns.

The GJM chief also underlined the party’s role in strengthening the BJP in the Darjeeling Hills.

“In 2009, when the BJP had virtually no organisational presence here, it was the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha that ensured the BJP’s victory from Darjeeling. Since then, together with our supporters and people across the region, the BJP has steadily expanded its base,” he claimed.

Speaking about the recent political shift in the state, Gurung said his party’s objective had been to defeat what he described as the “authoritarian rule” of the Trinamool Congress government.

“That objective has been achieved. Today’s celebration is not merely an electoral celebration but a reflection of that political change,” he said.

Calling for communal harmony, Gurung said the GJM wants peace and inclusive development in the region.

“We want to move forward together with Gorkhas, Adivasis, Rajbanshis, Bengalis, Biharis and Muslims. Peace and constitutional dialogue are the only way forward,” he added.