BJP wins three Hill seats, Gurung leads GJM comeback

Amitava Banerjee, MP, May 5, 2026, Darjeeling: The BJP continued its winning streak in the three hill seats of North Bengal — Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.

The result came as a major relief, especially for the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), with political pundits predicting a resurgence of the Bimal Gurung-led party.

In Darjeeling, BJP candidate Noman Rai won, securing 62,076 votes and defeating Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) candidate Vijay Kumar Rai, who got 56,019 votes.

Ajoy Edwards of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) secured 48,635 votes.

In Kurseong, BJP candidate Sonam Lama secured 74,878 votes, defeating BGPM candidate Amar Lama, who got 57,871 votes.

In Kalimpong, BJP candidate Bharat Kumar Chettri secured 84,290 votes, defeating sitting MLA and BGPM candidate Ruden Sada Lepcha.

“The Hills needed a change. Finally, we have been liberated from oppression. We have supported the BJP for so long; it is time for payback. Now that both the State and Union governments are run by the BJP, they will have to live up to their assurances and deliver a political solution for the Hills, Terai and Dooars, along with the development of the region,” said Noman Rai.

Rai, a GJM leader, had contested on a BJP ticket.

“I assure the people that the BJP’s unwavering commitment to the Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars is absolute. With the full backing of the Central government and cooperation from the State government, we will fulfil all the commitments we have made and meet the aspirations of the people,” said Raju Bista, Darjeeling MP and BJP national spokesperson.

Hill elections are usually different from those in the plains, with politics revolving around unique issues, including identity.

Interestingly, the BJP gained a foothold in Bengal by riding this identity sentiment, using the GJM’s organisational strength in the Hills.

Since 2009, in Parliamentary elections, heavyweight candidates like Jaswant Singh and S.S. Ahluwalia have won resounding victories backed by the Bimal Gurung-led GJM and the Gorkhaland wave.

The trend continued with Raju Bista winning two terms.

“The biggest change is the shift in power dynamics in Bengal, along with rampant corruption and nepotism in the Hills. Our people were deprived and forced to leave the Hills to work in other cities. They returned to ensure this change. We will now get the best possible political arrangement for the Hills, Terai and Dooars,” said Gurung.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post