BJP’s “Parivartan Sankalp Siddhi Utsav” in Kalimpong Highlights Vision for Development, Governance and Political Change in the Hills

KalimNews, May 18, 2026, Kalimpong :  A massive victory rally was organised at Mela Ground in Kalimpong on the occasion of the “Parivartan Sankalp Siddhi Utsav” following the BJP’s sweeping victory in all the Assembly seats across the Hills. Thousands of supporters and residents from different parts of Kalimpong, the Hills, Terai and Dooars participated in the celebration, which focused on development, governance, infrastructure and the future political direction of the region.

Addressing the gathering, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista thanking the voters spoke extensively on issues related to corruption, administration, law and order, development and long-pending political demands of the Hills. He declared that corruption would not be tolerated under any circumstances and warned that every individual involved in corrupt practices would face investigation. According to him, illegal constructions across the Hills would be dismantled with the help of JCB machines reportedly brought from Uttar Pradesh.

Bista stated that illegal syndicates, “goonda tax” and unauthorised crusher machines would no longer be allowed to function in the region. Comparing the previous political atmosphere with the current situation, he remarked that earlier peace in the Hills resembled “the peace of a cemetery”, while the present environment reflected “Ram Rajya”, symbolising justice, order and accountability.

He also announced that the Hills would have direct representation in the government through a minister from the hill region. Criticising the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), Bista described it as “almost lifeless” and claimed that it would eventually be dissolved.

During his speech, he issued a stern warning to police personnel against accepting bribes from drivers or engaging in corruption. He repeatedly urged people not to take the law into their own hands and assured that the administration would function according to constitutional and legal procedures.

The MP promised employment opportunities for local residents and stated that the demographic identity of the Hills would be protected. According to him, outsiders would not be allowed to purchase land in the Hills in order to preserve the social and cultural character of the region.

He further announced that unemployed youths would receive a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 until they secured employment. Under the proposed “Ji Ramji Scheme”, cinchona workers and other labourers would reportedly receive wages for 125 days even without regular work.

Bista urged party workers to enrol honest and ordinary citizens into the BJP and stressed that governance would be carried out within the framework of rules and legal norms. He described the electoral victory as a collective mandate of people from all religions and communities, including Christians, Sanatanis and Muslims.

The MP also announced that municipal elections in the Hills would be held soon. Raising concerns about healthcare services in Kalimpong, he warned against negligence at Kalimpong District Hospital and promised the establishment of a modern hospital and a full-fledged medical college in the district.

Infrastructure development featured prominently in his speech. Bista stated that rural roads would be repaired and development schemes under BADP and RIDF would be implemented effectively. He also announced that work towards a Permanent Political Solution for the Hills would begin immediately and claimed that supporting documents and evidence related to various issues would soon be made public.

Water supply projects also received major attention during the programme. Bista announced that the AMRUT 2.0 scheme would be implemented to ensure adequate water supply for Kalimpong town through water pumping from the Teesta River and an extended Neora water supply project.

He further assured that the “Har Ghar Jal Yojana” would be implemented properly and allegations of corruption in the scheme would be thoroughly investigated. The MP also announced that the GTA would undergo auditing, particularly regarding the utilisation of nearly Rs 400 crore reportedly allocated by the Central Disaster Management Department for Teesta flood and landslide relief.

According to Bista, all lands and properties leased under previous administrations would be investigated carefully. He further stated that teachers should not be compelled to join teachers’ unions and that future teacher recruitment would be conducted transparently and without political interference.

Speaking on encroachments, he announced that illegal occupation of government land would be removed using four JCB machines expected to arrive in Kalimpong shortly.

The MP also raised concerns over alleged illegal infiltration into the Hills and called for strict legal action. He alleged that cases related to shopping malls constructed on school lands would also be reinvestigated.

Referring to an earlier incident at Mandir Khola, Bista stated that the file concerning those who had allegedly attacked him, along with the officers who handled the investigation, would be reopened. At the same time, he urged people to remain peaceful and avoid arrogance.

In an emotional statement, Bista remarked that he considered himself a “goonda” only for standing beside oppressed people and protecting the vulnerable. He appealed to citizens not to donate money to individuals collecting funds in the name of political parties.

He assured that development work would be carried out equally in every area irrespective of voting patterns and added that regions where the BJP had received fewer votes would also receive equal importance and administrative attention.

Addressing social concerns, Bista announced that gambling during football tournaments would not be permitted and promised to develop an international-standard cricket stadium in Gorubathan.

He further stated that strict measures would be taken to control drug trafficking and illegal liquor trade in the Hills. Police authorities, according to him, would be instructed to act firmly against such activities. Corruption in government offices, including the MVI office, would also be dealt with strictly.

Sharing a personal reflection, Bista said he had come from Manipur and made the Hills his workplace, adding that he was prepared to dedicate his life to the people and the region.

Calling for unity beyond political divisions, he urged residents to work together for peace, development and prosperity in the Hills. In a lighter and satirical tone, he also appreciated Bharat Chhetri, Olympian and former Indian hockey captain, for making opposition party workers “work hard like hockey players”.

During the programme, Bista also outlined the BJP’s broader vision for Kalimpong district and the Hills. He stated that the BJP government would prioritise good governance, transparency and the rule of law in Kalimpong and surrounding areas.

Thanking the people of Kalimpong for overwhelmingly supporting political change, Bista said that despite years of political pressure, administrative neglect and alleged attempts to divide communities, the people of Kalimpong had remained united and had courageously stood for justice and dignity.

He announced that over the next five years the BJP would focus on resolving long-pending land and development issues. The outdated DI Fund and Development Area systems would reportedly be abolished and Raiyati Patta would be granted to rightful landholders. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, would also be implemented effectively, while Parja Patta would be provided to cinchona garden workers.

Bista in his social media page further stated about his plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity by constructing all-weather roads, bridges, ropeways and multi-level parking facilities to strengthen tourism and transport throughout the year. NH-10, SH-12 and rural roads would be strengthened with additional safety walls and protective infrastructure.

The Kalimpong District Hospital would be upgraded into a full-fledged Medical College and Hospital, while healthcare and rural medical infrastructure would receive special attention.

He also announced plans for agricultural development through modern farming techniques, cold storage facilities, processing units and the proposed establishment of an Agricultural and Horticultural University in Kalimpong. According to him, Kalimpong would also be developed as a major hub for floriculture and coffee cultivation.

Bista further stated that a sustainable tourism master plan focusing on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, homestays and adventure tourism would be introduced. Skill development centres, sustainable industries and enhanced rural employment schemes would also be promoted to reduce migration of local youths in search of jobs.

An engineering college for Kalimpong district was also proposed. In addition, a dedicated landslide mitigation centre would be established to address recurring natural disasters and environmental challenges in the Hills.

The MP announced that Kalimpong would be developed into a fully functional district with improved administrative facilities, government services and development projects reaching people more effectively. He also promised reforms in the Sericulture Board and Cinchona Board to ensure better representation for Kalimpong and Darjeeling regions.

Sports infrastructure would also be upgraded, with Mela Ground proposed to be developed into a stadium along with the creation of additional sports grounds and recreational facilities for youths.

To reduce traffic congestion in Kalimpong town, pending projects such as multi-level parking facilities would be completed. Long-term development plans focusing on tourism, roads, drinking water, digital services and youth self-employment would also be prioritised to make Kalimpong economically and educationally self-reliant.

Speaking on the occasion, newly elected Kalimpong MLA Bharat Chhetri thanked the people for electing him and giving him the opportunity to serve the district. He assured residents that he would personally visit villages, interact with people directly and begin working towards building a better and more developed Kalimpong.