Kalimpong Gears Up for April 23 Assembly Polls as Campaigning Ends with High-Octane Rally of BGPM

KalimNews, Kalimpong, April 21, 2026 : Kalimpong is witnessing an intense buildup ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, with administrative preparations entering their final phase and political campaigning drawing to a close. The district administration has confirmed that all logistical arrangements are being swiftly completed to ensure a smooth and secure voting process. On 23rd April, the Legislative Assembly elections are being held in Tamil Nadu, and the first phase is being held in West Bengal.

The constituency has a total of 298 polling stations, including 5 auxiliary polling stations, distributed across different blocks as follows: Pedong has 36 polling stations, Lava has 44, Kalimpong–I has 130, and Gorubathan has 88. The electorate stands at 201,931 voters, including 100,825 male and 101,106 female voters, with no registered voters under the third gender category. To facilitate voting, more than 400 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been readied for deployment across all polling booths.

As campaigning officially ended at 5 PM today, strict measures have been enforced across the region. In line with election protocols for the first phase of polling, the West Bengal administration has temporarily sealed international borders with neighboring countries Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The move aims to tighten security and prevent any unlawful activities, restricting general movement except for tourists and essential services. Liquor shops have also been ordered shut, and authorities have warned that any violation of election rules will invite strict legal action.

For the electoral process, one Distribution cum Reception Centre (DCRC), along with a strong room and a vote counting center, has been established within the constituency. District Magistrate and Election Officer Kuhuk Bhushan stated that these facilities have been set up at SUMI School in Kalimpong. Polling personnel are scheduled to begin dispatching election materials to various sector offices tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the final day of campaigning saw a massive show of strength by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), which organized a large rally in Kalimpong town in support of its candidate Ruden Sada Lepcha. Led by prominent party figures including Rabi Pradhan, Binay Ghising, and Pratibha Kumai, the rally began at Dambar Chowk at 11 AM and passed through key routes of the town before culminating in a large public gathering around 12:30 PM.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Lepcha expressed gratitude to supporters who participated despite the heat, many traveling from distant areas. He highlighted the strong public backing as a sign of confidence in his party’s victory, asserting that celebrations would take place at the same venue on May 4 following the results. He also acknowledged the overwhelming support from both urban and rural voters, stating that the momentum would translate into electoral success.

Responding to media queries during the event, Lepcha criticized certain political opponents, questioning their understanding of the historical and political context of Gorkha issues. He also raised concerns about the lack of progress on longstanding demands, challenging rival leaders on their track record over the past several years.

With the stage set and preparations nearly complete, Kalimpong now awaits polling day as voters prepare to exercise their democratic rights in what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest.