BJP Expands Foothold in Hills as Vote Share Patterns Shift Across Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong

KalimNews, May 5, 2026, Kalimpong : A closer examination of voting trends in the hill constituencies of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Kurseong in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2021 and the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election 2026 points to a complex and evolving political landscape. The results reflect notable gains for the Bharatiya Janata Party and varied performances by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha across the three Assembly Constituencies (ACs). It is remided that BJP has won all three seats of Hills.

In Kalimpong AC, the BGPM led in 2021 with 38.12 percent vote share, while the BJP followed with 35.58 percent. By 2026, the BGPM’s support remained largely stable at 37.07 percent, but the BJP witnessed a sharp rise, reaching 49.74 percent and decisively overtaking its rival. This shift indicates a strong consolidation of votes in favour of the BJP, while the BGPM experienced only a marginal erosion of its base.

Darjeeling AC, however, presented a more competitive and fluid contest. In 2021, the BJP held an advantage with 41.5 percent vote share compared to BGPM’s 28.68 percent. In 2026, the BGPM improved its position to 32.23 percent, while the BJP’s share declined to 35.71 percent. Although the BJP maintained its lead, the significantly reduced margin suggests a revival of BGPM’s influence and a more balanced contest between the two parties.

In Kurseong AC, the BGPM secured 33.47 percent of the vote in 2021, while the BJP led with 42.43 percent. In 2026, the BGPM’s vote share remained broadly consistent, whereas the BJP experienced a slight dip, though it continued to remain competitive. The constituency thus reflects relative stability with minor shifts rather than dramatic electoral swings.

Taken together, the comparative data indicates that the BJP’s performance in 2026 improved markedly in Kalimpong, weakened in Darjeeling, and remained relatively steady with a slight decline in Kurseong. The BGPM, on the other hand, retained a stable base in Kalimpong, strengthened its position in Darjeeling, and maintained a consistent presence in Kurseong without significant expansion.

A deeper analysis suggests that the BJP’s gains may have been driven in part by the consolidation of opposition or anti-incumbency votes, along with support from sections of voters influenced by religious identity factors. Despite not having a deeply rooted organisational and structural base in the hill regions, the party appears to have benefited from its alliances with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the Gorkha National Liberation Front, which likely helped expand its outreach and mobilise additional support.

In contrast, while the BGPM is regarded as having a comparatively strong and established organisational structure at the grassroots level, its campaign execution in 2026 appears to have faced challenges. Reports indicate that local leadership networks—including panchayat representatives and sabhasads—were not always effectively engaged or adequately consulted during the canvassing process. This lack of coordinated mobilisation may have affected voter outreach and contributed to both a reduction in vote share in certain areas and the loss of electoral advantage in key constituencies.

Multiple factors, therefore, seem to have shaped the outcome for the BGPM, ranging from organisational gaps in campaign management to broader political currents influencing voter behaviour.

Overall, the electoral trends in the hills underline a competitive and shifting political environment. While the BJP has managed to expand its influence in specific pockets, particularly in Kalimpong, the BGPM continues to remain a significant force with enduring grassroots presence. The results highlight an electorate that is actively reassessing its political choices, ensuring that the region remains politically dynamic rather than decisively aligned with any single party.