BGP Reaffirms Democratic Gorkhaland Demand at Agra Conference, Adopts Wide-Ranging Agra Declaration

National body reiterates constitutional commitments, presses for rights, representation and socio-economic justice for Gorkhas across India

KalimNews, February 1, 2026, Kalimpong: The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) concluded its 7th Triennial National General Conference held from 30 January to 1 February 2026 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with the adoption of the comprehensive Agra Declaration, reaffirming its long-standing political, constitutional and socio-cultural commitments towards the Gorkha community in India.

The three-day national conference, attended by delegates from across the country, once again unequivocally reiterated the organisation’s firm support for the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland through peaceful, constitutional and democratic means. The BGP emphasised that the demand for Gorkhaland is deeply rooted in history, identity and administrative necessity, and seeks due recognition of the distinct cultural, linguistic and socio-political identity of Indian Gorkhas. Aligning itself with the Joint Forum for Gorkhaland State Demand, the organisation underlined that this aspiration is neither new nor arbitrary, but a decades-old democratic demand that warrants serious and sincere consideration by the Government of India.

The Agra Declaration further resolved to intensify efforts to safeguard the constitutional, political and legal rights of Gorkhas residing in different parts of the country. While affirming that Gorkhas are proud Indian citizens with an exemplary record of national service, the BGP expressed concern over the persistent challenges faced by the community, including identity-related issues, inadequate recognition and unequal access to opportunities. The organisation committed itself to pursuing dialogue, policy advocacy and legal measures to ensure equal rights, representation and protection for Gorkhas under the Constitution of India, irrespective of their state of residence.

A significant resolution adopted at the conference related to the socio-economic upliftment of Gorkhas settled in Uttar Pradesh. Recognising their challenges, the BGP formally demanded the inclusion of Gorkhas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the state. Such inclusion, the organisation noted, would enable eligible members of the community to access constitutionally mandated reservations in education, employment and welfare schemes. On 31 January 2026, during the national convention in Agra, a joint delegation of the BGP submitted a memorandum to Shri Surya Prakash Pal, Vice Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh OBC Commission, marking the beginning of a structured and sustained effort to secure social justice and equitable opportunities for Gorkhas in Uttar Pradesh.

The declaration also strongly urged the Government of India to address the long-pending issue of the exclusion of certain Gorkha communities from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The BGP highlighted that several Gorkha sub-groups possess ethnic, cultural and traditional characteristics comparable to those of recognised Scheduled Tribes, yet continue to remain outside the official list. This exclusion, the organisation stated, deprives them of vital constitutional safeguards and developmental benefits. The conference called for immediate corrective action to ensure that all deserving communities receive the protections and opportunities guaranteed under the Constitution.

Emphasising the centrality of language to identity, the BGP resolved to pursue the grant of Linguistic Minority status to Gorkhas in various Indian states where they live in smaller numbers. Such recognition, the declaration stated, would help preserve and promote Gorkha Bhasa, while ensuring access to constitutional protections related to education and culture. The organisation described this move as essential for safeguarding the linguistic heritage, literature and cultural traditions of the Gorkha community for future generations.

The Agra Declaration further drew attention to the underrepresentation of Gorkhas in national-level institutions, commissions and decision-making bodies. Despite their notable contributions to the nation in the armed forces, public service, arts and academia, Gorkhas continue to have limited presence in key national platforms. The BGP therefore urged the Government of India to nominate capable and deserving Gorkha individuals to such bodies in the interest of inclusive governance and fair representation.

The declaration and resolutions were issued with a fervent request for immediate publication to ensure wider public awareness and institutional attention.

The statement was issued by Nand Kirati Dewan, National General Secretary (Administration), Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh.