‘People were tired of corruption’

The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections marked a defining moment in the state’s political landscape, reshaping Bengal’s political narrative and power structure. From the plains of south Bengal to the hills of Darjeeling, the election results reflected changing political equations, rising public expectations, and renewed debates over governance, identity, development , and regional representation.

Notably, the Bharatiya Janata Party performed exceptionally well in all three Gorkha-dominated constituencies in the hills. In an interaction with Shanya Das, Sonam Lama, the newly elected MLA from Kurseong, shared insights into the party’s growing influence in the Gorkha region and the factors behind its electoral success.

Advertisement

Q: Winning with such a huge margin reflects strong public support – how are you feeling after receiving so much love from the people of Kurseong?

A: It feels wonderful to receive such immense love and support from the people of Kurseong. The people have placed great trust and expectations in both the party and me. Being a resident of Kurseong myself, I understand their aspirations closely, which also increases my sense of responsibility. I look forward to fulfilling those expectations and serving the people wholeheartedly.

Q: People have high hopes from you. What is your vision for Kurseong’s development, a n d what will be your top priorities from now on?

A: For Kurseong, my key priorities are healthcare, employment, and tourism. I want to work towards skill development among the youth so that they can access better employment opportunities. At the same time, we also want to nurture their talents and encourage startup opportunities in the region. I am in constant touch with the administrative authorities to address various issues and ensure better facilities for the people. At the same time, I believe meaningful and sustainable development can only happen through regular interaction with the public and understanding their concerns directly. We are actively working towards that as well.

Q : Speaking of tourism , Kurseong has immense tourism potential – what steps do you and your party plan to take to develop it as a major tourist destination?

A: Kurseong has immense tourism potential, and tourism remains a major strength of the region. However, there are several issues that still need attention. Having grown up in Kurseong, I have witnessed these challenges very closely. Improving road infrastructure and resolving parking issues are among our top priorities. Better connectivity is essential to attract more tourists, and we are actively working in that direction. I recently held consultations with the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway authorities to explore better solutions for connectivity. At the same time, we are also planning to develop additional parking spaces so that tourists do not face inconvenience while visiting the hills. Our aim is to ensure that visitors feel welcome and have easier access to the natural beauty and charm of Kurseong. For this, I have also been closely coordinating with the North Bengal Development Department. Alongside tourism infrastructure, we are focusing on disaster management and long-term sustainable planning for the region. We look forward to working continuously to make Kurseong an even more attractive and accessible tourist destination.

Q: The B JP has received a landslide mandate in the polls, and the hills have shown an overwhelming support to the party. What message do you think the people have given? Do you think the region will get cabinet representation?

A: The people placed their trust in the BJP because they wanted a change from corruption, crime, and the failures of the previous government. The overwhelming mandate reflects the people’s desire for development, stability, and transparent governance. The BJP has earned that trust, and we are committed to living up to the expectations of the people. As far as cabinet representation is concerned, that decision will be taken by the party leadership. We remain hopeful, and whatever decision the party makes, we will wholeheartedly accept and support it.

Q: What factors do you think led to the Trinamool Congress performing poorly in these elections?

A: There were several factors behind the Trinamool Congress’ poor performance in these elections. People had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the government over issues such as corruption, lack of development, and the rise in crime. Public frustration had been building for a long time, and it was visible across both the private and public sectors. Many people felt neglected and harassed under the previous administration, which ultimately reflected in the election results. In the hill region as well, people had grown increasingly dissatisfied during the TMC ’s tenure. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) leadership’s alignment with the government often led to the suppression of public voices and created obstacles in implementing several Central government schemes in the hills. All these factors together led the people to place their faith in the BJP this time.

Q: Home Minister Amit Shah had assured during the campaigns that the long-pending Gorkhaland issue would be resolved. Now that the BJP is finally forming the government, do you believe there is a realistic possibility of a concrete political solution for the hills?

A: I truly believe and have full faith in the government that it will work towards resolving the long-standing issues of the Gorkha people. The government will ensure the security, dignity, and rights of the people while working within the framework of the Constitution. The process has already been initiated. The interlocutor has visited the region, surveys have been conducted, and the matter is now nearing its final stages. Reports will soon be submitted to the higher authorities. We have faith in the party and remain hopeful about a positive and lasting solution for the hills.

Q: Finally, what message would you like to give to the people of Kurseong who have placed their trust in you?

A: I am truly honoured by the trust and support the people of Kurseong have shown in me. I want to assure everyone that the party is committed to ensuring development in the region and fulfilling the promises made in our manifesto. I would also request the people to have a little patience, as we are currently working towards addressing the damage and shortcomings left behind by the previous government. We are determined to work sincerely and ensure that every promise made to the people is fulfilled