GNLF wants BJP to walk the PPS talk before elections

Some negotiations must have not worked out due to which they left the alliance. But people understand that their main aim was to return here

SNS, DARJEELING, 7 NOVEMBER 2020 : The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) today said that it would keep its alliance with the BJP intact. The party, however, said that it will take "another stand" if the BJP fails to take concrete steps on its promise for a 'Permanent Political Solution' (PPS) before the Assembly elections next.

The GNLF stand comes for the first time after the recent political developments, with the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (Bimal Gurung camp) severing ties with the BJP.

"We are giving benefit of doubt to the BJP and they have to take concrete steps on what they have promised in their manifesto before the 2021 Vidhan Sabha elections. If that happens, our alliance will remain, but after that we will be forced to take another stand," GNLF leader Ajoy Edwards said here today.

Asked if they would field their own candidates if the PPS does not happen, he said. "It is up to our higher leadership to take a decision on it, but personally I feel that we might have to fight the elections alone and not in alliance with the BJP or the TMC."

Mr Edwards further claimed that they, hold a silent majority of the people and they were confident that the candidates that they support will emerge victorious in the three Assembly seats in the Hills.

"The people know the drama staged by the Morcha in the past. They will not cast votes for either the TMC- l, 2 or 3. After 2007, Gurung got 100 percent support, but it was for the issue of Gorkha land. Now when he is coming back from Nabbana he is not returning with the issue of Gorkhaland but issues like development, which people will not accept," he said, adding that people will also not be able to forget the sacrifice of the martyrs.

Commenting on the Gurung camp breaking off its alliance with the BJP he said, "Some negotiations must have not worked out due to which they left the alliance. But people understand that their main aim was to return here."

The GNLF leader further said that they were all welcome to return to their homes, but that they should not create any disturbance here.