Darjeeling woke up to the familiar strains of political fervour yesterday as Ajoy Edwards, a prominent hill leader, launched the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF). The announcement, made at the Darjeeling Gymkhana Club, introduces another party to the region’s long history of political outfits, many of which centre their agendas around the demand for Gorkhaland.
Edwards, who dissolved his Hamro Party just a day prior, clearly outlined the primary objective of IGJF: “Our main issue will be Gorkhaland, and we should not be afraid to spell it out loud and clear.” Alongside the statehood demand, the party’s platform also includes issues such as the inclusion of 11 Gorkha communities in the Scheduled Tribe list, the implementation of the Minimum Wages Act in tea gardens, resolution of land rights concerns, and favourable provisions in constituency delimitation. However, despite this comprehensive platform, questions remain about the future of the party and its ability to bring about lasting change.
A Familiar Pattern in Hill Politics
The formation of new political parties in Darjeeling has become a recurring theme, with each emerging to address the region’s demands for Gorkhaland. From the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) in the 1980s to more recent parties like the Hamro Party, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), and now the IGJF, these parties often begin with momentum, only to face challenges in navigating political realities and internal disputes.
The experience of Edwards’ Hamro Party highlights this cycle. Formed in November 2021, the party made significant gains, including control of the Darjeeling municipality. However, internal defections and a directive from the Election Commission over the party’s name led to its dissolution. The IGJF now aims to continue the political work that the Hamro Party initiated, but questions linger about its long-term viability.
The Gorkhaland Issue: A Continuing Struggle
The demand for Gorkhaland, which has been a central issue in Darjeeling politics for decades, remains deeply tied to the region’s identity and aspirations. However, achieving statehood has been challenging due to political opposition, a lack of a cohesive strategy, and unresolved issues within the leadership.
Parties like BGPM, which is allied with the Trinamool Congress, have shifted focus towards development issues in the region, leaving some observers to believe that there is a gap in the political landscape concerning the Gorkhaland agenda. This perceived vacuum may have contributed to the formation of new parties like IGJF, which seeks to reignite the call for statehood. However, scepticism remains about whether the party can break from the pattern of past political endeavours.
Addressing Broader Issues Beyond Gorkhaland
While the Gorkhaland demand continues to dominate political conversations, other critical issues in Darjeeling often remain under-addressed. Land rights, the condition of tea garden workers, and the need for improved social infrastructure are also vital concerns. Edwards has expressed intentions to tackle these issues, but history shows that such promises have often been overshadowed by the overarching focus on statehood.
Voter sentiment in recent elections also reflects a sense of fatigue, with some citizens expressing disillusionment with the repeated cycles of political promises and changes in leadership.
Looking Ahead
Edwards’ IGJF plans to establish its organisational structure within 45 days, following a series of public consultations. This approach indicates a methodical strategy for moving forward, but the challenges of maintaining party unity, avoiding defections, and developing a clear, achievable roadmap for Gorkhaland will be significant.
As Edwards himself stated, “I cannot assure you that I will get Gorkhaland or a deadline by which I will get Gorkhaland, but I can assure you that I will give my all.” While this honest acknowledgement sets a realistic tone, it also raises a crucial question: beyond the Gorkhaland demand, what vision does the IGJF have for Darjeeling’s long-term development? Without clarity on this, the political landscape may continue to see new parties rising and falling without achieving lasting change.
