Renewed Political Currents In The Hills : New Political Party Launched as Broad Based Apex Committee Unites For Statehood

A Confluence of Fresh Alignments and Unified Advocacy

KalimNews, September 13, 2026 : The political landscape across the northern stretches of West Bengal—encompassing the hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong alongside the foothill regions of the Terai and the Dooars—has witnessed two rapid, consequential developments. In a marked revitalization of regional politics, the Darjeeling hills have seen the emergence of a brand-new political entity alongside a concerted drive by cross-party leaders, civil society organizations, and intellectuals to forge a unified front aimed at steering the century-old demand for separate statehood.

The Emergence of the Gorkhaland Sangram Party

A new political force took formal shape in the heart of Darjeeling today with the official declaration of the Gorkhaland Sangram Party. The announcement was made during an assembly convened at the historic Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan (GDNS) Bhavan in Darjeeling.

The newly minted organization has anchored its political doctrine to the core motto "Gorkha Heet Sarvopari"—translating to "the benefit of the Gorkhas is the utmost priority." In line with its ideological orientation and symbol of regional heritage, the party unveiled its official party flag featuring red and green panels, emblazoned with the imagery of two crossed Khukuris set beneath a rising sun.

The launch meeting was addressed by prominent political figures, including Sanjay Thulung, Lila Kumar Gurung, and Pradip Lohagun, among others. The debut marks the practical realization of groundwork initiated approximately two months ago under the banner of the Naya Party Nirman Samity (New Party Formation Committee). The preparatory committee had previously conducted a series of multi-party consultations, drawing engagement from seasoned political activists such as Ajay Dahal and Kishore Pradhan to mobilize support across divergent political affiliations.

15-Member Apex Committee Established to Push for Constitutional Statehood

Concurrently, a pivotal convention convened just a day earlier under the joint leadership of the National Gorkhaland Committee (NGC) and the Statehood Demand Coordination Committee. Presided over in the presence of NGCC Secretary Pravakar Dewan, the high-level meeting brought together prominent regional politicians, public intellectuals, and civil society representatives from diverse outfits, including the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front (IGJF), Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists (CPRM), Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Gorkha Rashtriya Nirman Morcha (GRNM), as well as delegates from the new party formation committee.

Key leaders in attendance included Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, Trilok Dewan, Rajendra Dhakal, Amar Lama, Pratap Khati, Ajoy Edwards, and Prabhakar Dewan.

The gathering focused directly on discussions regarding the Central Government's proposal to establish a constitutionally valid provision aimed at formulating a permanent political solution (PPS) for the Gorkha population without partitioning West Bengal—a framework emerging in the aftermath of tripartite deliberations.

Rejecting halfway arrangements, the assembly resolved that any durable solution must address the foundational aspiration of the region. The representatives underscored that the demand—supported by various residents across the hills and plains, cutting across diverse tribal identities, linguistic backgrounds, and religious communities—is over 100 years old and represents an enduring fight for constitutional identity.

To systematically spearhead this cause, the meeting resolved to establish a unified 15-member Gorkhaland Apex Committee, representing the interests of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, the Terai, and the Dooars. The leadership structure comprises of Chairman: Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, Co-Chairmen: Trilok Dewan and Pravakar Dewan, Secretary: K.T. Bhutia, Committee Representatives: Two nominated members from each participating party and civil society body.

Strategic Roadmap and Dialogue with the Centre

The newly constituted Apex Committee set a 15-day timeline to brainstorm and finalize a comprehensive plan of action. Central to this agenda will be the drafting of a formalized resolution demanding the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland, to be prepared and ratified during the committee's forthcoming second session.

A major concern raised during deliberations was the Central Government’s consultative framework. Participants noted that authorities have predominantly engaged only political affiliates aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as official stakeholders—an approach the committee argued fails to reflect the full spectrum of statehood proponents and civil society bodies in the region. Consequently, the Apex Committee decided to seek direct representation in any drafting committee constituted by the Centre tasked with framing a constitutional resolution.

Emphasizing the necessity for complete transparency between public representatives and the Union Government, Prof. Mahendra P. Lama reiterated that the creation of a separate, full-fledged state for the Gorkhas and all fellow residents living across these lands remains entirely viable. While extending acknowledgment to the BJP and its alliance partners for pursuing tripartite discussions with the Central Government, Prof. Lama stressed that citizens themselves play an indispensable role in shaping the movement’s trajectory—a public mandate that the newly formed Apex Committee intends to guide and support.

For visual context on recent public rallies and the ongoing discourse surrounding separate statehood demands in the Darjeeling hills, see this Report on the Gorkhaland Demand.

This video provides direct context on the revival of public mobilizations and grassroots sentiments surrounding the statehood question in Darjeeling.