Bharatiya Gorkha Parajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) chief Anit Thapa delivered a speech on Wednesday, marking the occasion of Ram Navami, emphasising that the upcoming election in Darjeeling is not about religion but about political choices. Thapa, also the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), directed his remarks towards the BJP, asserting that “Election is not a matter of religion; this is a matter of Party (Politics).”
Thapa was in Sukna to rally support for Gopal Lama, a BGPM leader contesting from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat under the banner of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He hailed Lama as an asset to the hills and stressed the significance of his candidacy for the region. Thapa warned against neglecting to vote for Lama, stating that it would jeopardise one’s own career and growth prospects.
Taking aim at the BJP, Thapa criticised the party’s perceived stance toward the Gorkha community, alleging that they believe “we should not give anything to Gorkhas” and harbour the notion that Gorkhas are “not conscious and uneducated.” He urged the electorate not to allow their sentiments to be exploited during elections, referencing his own experience of spending six months in correctional facilities due to the influence of past leaders. He admitted, “I went to jail because I made mistakes, and those mistakes were because of the past leaders who showed us that way.”
Thapa called upon voters to rally behind Lama, highlighting his experience in various administrative roles within the region. He emphasised the need to broaden support beyond the hills to the plains, where four Assembly segments are located, to secure victory. Thapa acknowledged the support pledged by the TMC to their candidate in the foothills.
