The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) recently unveiled 67-page manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, dubbed ‘Sankalp Patra: Modi ki Guarantee’, has stirred controversy by sidestepping key political issues, particularly those concerning the Gorkha community.
In contrast to previous years, the manifesto refrains from addressing the longstanding demands of the Gorkhas, drawing sharp criticism from opposition voices in the Darjeeling region. The omission has sparked allegations that the BJP is indifferent towards resolving Gorkha issues.
This move has incited a unified response from opposition parties, with Munish Tamang, Congress candidate for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, leading the charge, stating that the BJP has finally revealed its stance on the Gorkha community.
BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, defended the manifesto, arguing that the party’s commitment made in the 2019 election manifesto remains unchanged and emphasizing progress in addressing Gorkha concerns.
The manifesto, presented as a broad policy statement with a focus on development initiatives, notably lacks any mention of political issues, including the recognition of 11 left-out Gorkha sub-tribes as Schedule Tribes.
The BJP’s strategic shift in its manifesto content has raised eyebrows, particularly in the context of its past promises and the sensitive political landscape of the Darjeeling region.
