GJM ends speculation, announces support to BJP’s Raju Bista

Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today announced its support to BJP MP Raju Bista in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

This was confirmed after the meeting of the Central Committee of the Morcha. GJM chief Bimal said, “Today we had a meeting in which we discussed the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and we have decided that for the benefit of the people and the issue of Gorkhas, we will support the BJP in the elections for the fourth time.” Gurung appealed to the people of the Hills and Terai to gather at Chowrasta on April 3, the day of Bista’s nomination filing.

The Morcha president said that his party and the people have been being suppressed for some time and now the time has come for the people to come forward in response to this.
Gurung said, “We analyzed various factors and came to this decision and we are 110% confident that we will make BJP victorious for the fourth time and along with it we will also win on our issue.”
Gurung said he recently held discussions with the 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. After returning from three-year exile in 2020, Gurung and his leaders had criticized the BJP for betraying their cause.
Reacting to GJM’s support to the BJP, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha president Anit Thapa downplayed its impact, citing their victory against the BJP alliance in the recent panchayat elections. He said such collaborations were not new and would not change his electoral prospects.