Twelve BGPM Sabhasads Resign from Party Amid Leadership Crisis; Anit Thapa Calls for Support to Raju Bista and BJP

KalimNews, June 19, 2026, Kalimpong: Rumours of a major rebellion within the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) were confirmed on Friday when twelve elected Sabhasads of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) collectively announced their resignation from the party and severed all organizational ties with it, while retaining their positions as elected Sabhasads.

The leaders who resigned from the BGPM include Uday Dewan of Sukhiapokhari–Maneybhanjyang, Rajesh Chauhan of Rangbull-Dhotaria, Lakpa Namgay Bhutia of Rongo-Todey-Jaldhaka, Kamal Subba of Pedong, Milesh Rai of Mirik-Turbo-Duptin, Senora Namchu of Chibo-Tashiding, Mani Prasad Rai of Takling-Peshok, Nuri Sherpa of Tung-St. Mary’s, Bikash Rai of Homes-Bhalukhop, Dawa Tenji Sherpa of Algarah-Dalapchand, Kumar Sharma of Lava-Lingsay, and Paresh Tirki of Sukna-Panighatta.

For nearly two weeks, political circles across the Darjeeling Hills and Kalimpong had been abuzz with speculation that a group of BGPM Sabhasads was preparing to challenge the leadership of GTA Chief Executive Anit Thapa and he may face vote of no confidence motion. The rumours gained momentum after a meeting of BGPM Sabhasads was convened by Thapa on June 16, following which the party circulated a group photograph showing most of the elected representatives standing together, apparently projecting unity within the organization.

However, political developments took a dramatic turn the very next day when Anit Thapa announced his resignation from the post of GTA Chief Executive as well as from his position as Sabhasad. His decision was followed by the resignation of Deputy Chief Executive Sanchabir Subba, triggering a series of resignations and intensifying uncertainty within the party.

On Friday, news emerged that twelve GTA Sabhasads had formally resigned from the BGPM while continuing to hold their elected positions. Confirming the development, senior leader and Sabhasad Uday Dewan stated that the group had resigned not only from party posts but had also relinquished their primary membership of the BGPM.

Explaining the reasons behind the collective decision, Dewan revealed that during the June 16 meeting held at Pintail Village, Anit Thapa had informed the Sabhasads of his intention to step down as GTA Chief Executive and devote himself entirely to strengthening the party organization. He had reportedly urged the Sabhasads to identify and select a suitable successor who could lead the GTA administration.

According to Dewan, discussions among the elected representatives failed to produce a consensus candidate, leading to the postponement of the meeting until the following day. Before further consultations could take place, however, Thapa publicly announced his resignation. The twelve Sabhasads reportedly felt that such an important decision had been taken without adequate consultation with fellow elected representatives, particularly when discussions regarding the future leadership of the GTA had remained unresolved.

In their resignation letter addressed to the founding chairman of the BGPM, the leaders also raised concerns regarding allegations of corruption that had repeatedly surfaced against GTA Sabhasads. They expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership's handling of these allegations, stating that no satisfactory explanations, clarifications, investigations, or corrective measures had been undertaken. According to the letter, this perceived inaction had adversely affected the morale of sincere party workers and damaged the reputation, integrity, and credibility of many grassroots members who had worked diligently for the organization.

Meanwhile, in a separate political development, Anit Thapa addressed a party gathering in Kurseong on Friday, where he emphasized the need for BGPM leaders and supporters to work closely with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Raju Bista.

Thapa reportedly urged party workers to set aside personal differences and political ego, arguing that the democratic mandate delivered by the people must be respected. He noted that Raju Bista, as the elected Member of Parliament representing the constituency and a leader of the ruling party at both the state and national levels, currently serves as an important voice for the Gorkha community in New Delhi.

He acknowledged that political differences and divergent opinions may exist, but stressed that public aspirations should take precedence over partisan considerations. According to Thapa, the present political circumstances require unity and cooperation for the welfare of the Gorkha people.

The BGPM leader further stated that although his party had fought hard to secure electoral success and uphold regional political aspirations, the political landscape had changed significantly with the BJP now holding power at both the state and central levels. He suggested that under such circumstances, the GTA framework could become an obstacle to achieving broader aspirations of the Gorkha community unless strategic political decisions were taken.

Referring to his decision to relinquish office despite having approximately thirteen months remaining in the term, Thapa maintained that the move was not intended to safeguard the future of the BGPM as a political party but rather to advance what he described as the larger interests of the Gorkha community. He emphasized that personal ambition, political status, and organizational interests should be secondary to the welfare of the people.

Thapa also reiterated his belief that cooperation with Raju Bista and the BJP was essential at the present juncture. He argued that the community should not miss what he described as a significant political opportunity, warning that such a moment might not return if allowed to pass.

The twin developments—the mass resignation of twelve senior BGPM Sabhasads and Anit Thapa’s strong appeal for political alignment with Raju Bista and the BJP—have created a new phase of uncertainty and realignment in hill politics. Political observers believe these events could significantly reshape the future direction of the GTA, BGPM, and the broader political landscape of the Darjeeling Hills and Kalimpong region in the months ahead.