GNLF decides to back BJP candidates, finally Party prez says its a last opportunity' for them to have demands met

SNS, DARJEELING, 26 MARCH 21: Ending days of speculations and suspense, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) today finally decided to support BJP candidates in the Assembly elections, especially in the three Hill seats.

The statement from GNLF president Mann Ghisingh comes in sharp contrast with the party earlier issuing a statement, saying it objected to the candidates nominated by the BJP for the three seats.

Addressing a crowd here today, Mr Ghisingh said, "We have taken this decision today, rising above the party. We are not seeing only the Gorkhas from the three Hill seats, but the entire population. It is our issue that should be achieved."

Expressing reservations over the BJP's announcement of all BJP candidates, most of the party leaders and even the general public on social media had expressed their opinion that the GNLF, an alliance partner of the BJP should field its own candidates.

For the Darjeeling seat, GNLF supporters had been stressing on popular party leader Ajoy Edward being fielded here, while the party held several meetings after that before the official decision was announced today.

"We also wanted that the GNLF should field candidates in all the three Hill seats, and we had very good candidates for all the places. However MLA elections come and go, and we have to think how we could earn benefits from this election for our issue and take it forward. The issue is the primary thing now, and if we break the connection with the Centre, where will we place our demand?" said Mr Ghisingh. He was probably referring to the demand for the much talked-about 'permanent political solution' (PPS) for the Hill political problem.

Me Ghisingh added that this  that, was the "last opportunity"  they had for having their demand met.

The GNLF leader also asked people to remain cautious about the alleged conspiracy  to divide the GNLF during the elections, and maintained  that he would not allow the party to be divided. He also  appealed to all the alliance partners to support the BJP.

"We should not look at the  faces of the candidates, but help  the BJP win for our cause. This is our last opportunity, which  we will not get again," said Mr  Ghisingh, adding that the BJP should also remain sincere and not fool them.

Mr Ghisingh also made a stand today that Home Minister Amit Shah should come to the Hills and openly speak about the 'permanent political solution' and clarify what it actually was..

Bista lauds move

Meanwhile, Darjeeling's BJP MP Raju Bista welcomed the GNLF decision to support his party.

"I extend my heartfelt thanks to GNLF President Shri Mann Ghising ji and GNLF Central Committee leaders who in the interest of greater good for our region and people, have decided to wend support to Bharatiya Janata Party in the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections," Mr Bista said in a note.

"In these elections, both our parties have one common goal to defeat a tyrannical and dictatorial TMC, so that we can pave way for the Permanent Political Solution to long pending demands of the people from Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region," he added.