He asserted that no party other than the BJP could provide a solution that meets the Gorkhas’ expectations.
Speaking at a rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district, Shah emphasized that the BJP comprehends the concerns and aspirations of the Gorkhas and is committed to finding a solution on their terms.
“Within six months of the BJP taking office in West Bengal, every Gorkha will be smiling. We will discover an answer to the Gorkha issue that ensures peace for all Gorkhas,” he proclaimed.
The Gorkha issue pertains to the long-standing demand for a separate state in the Gorkha-majority hill regions of north Bengal, although Shah refrained from mentioning ‘Gorkhaland’ or ‘statehood’ in his address.
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Instead, aligning with the BJP’s ongoing vow for a “permanent political solution” to the hill situation, Shah assured that the issue would be addressed in a manner that respects the Gorkhas’ aspirations.
“As I conclude my visit today, I promise that the moment the BJP government is established, the long-standing Gorkha issue will be settled according to the Gorkhas’ preferences,” he stated.
The BJP, which has successfully secured the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in every election since 2009, has consistently advocated for a permanent political resolution to the hill question without explicitly endorsing a separate state.
The home minister criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration for its refusal to engage in discussions aimed at resolving this issue and mentioned that he had convened three meetings regarding the matter since becoming home minister.
“Since becoming home minister, I have organized three significant meetings to tackle the Gorkha issue, but representatives from Mamata’s side failed to attend even once,” Shah reported.
“Mamata Didi, we do not need your involvement to address the Gorkha issue. We have appointed an intermediary who is preparing a report by consulting with Gorkha organizations and West Bengal government officials,” he added.
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Claiming that the BJP is the only party that truly understands the issues faced by hill inhabitants, Shah asserted, “We recognize your dilemmas, and no one except the BJP can resolve the Gorkha issue.” He accused the Congress and the TMC of betraying the hill population for many years.
“The Congress and the TMC have done a disservice not just to Darjeeling but to our patriotic Gorkha brothers as well,” he expressed.
Widening the BJP’s appeal beyond the Gorkha issue, Shah framed the election as a struggle to liberate north Bengal and the hills from what he termed years of neglect and injustice under TMC governance.
“This election is about liberating all of West Bengal from TMC’s wrongdoings. It signifies a quest for justice after decades of neglect in north Bengal and Darjeeling,” he declared.
Addressing the Sandeshkhali controversy, Shah remarked, “The entirety of West Bengal has resolved that it is time for Didi to step down. This election is focused on safeguarding our sisters throughout the state. The Sandeshkhali incident has tarnished the state’s reputation.” He reminded the audience that while Darjeeling has consistently supported the BJP, the party requires backing from the rest of West Bengal this time around.
“For three elections, Darjeeling has been voting for the BJP, yet the remainder of West Bengal has not offered as much support. However, this time, the entire state has decided it’s time to remove Didi,” he stated.
Shah also highlighted concerns regarding the alleged deletion of Gorkhas’ names from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
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“Some Gorkhas saw their names removed during the SIR. Once the BJP government assumes power in West Bengal, all such names will be reinstated in the electoral rolls,” he promised.
He further claimed that numerous false cases had been filed against Gorkha activists, vowing that these would be dismissed if the BJP came to power.
“False cases have been placed against our Gorkha brothers and sisters. The election results will be announced on May 4, and a BJP government will be formed on May 5. Before July 31, the BJP government in West Bengal will nullify all cases against our Gorkha brothers and sisters,” Shah declared.
The home minister also criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration for its budgetary allocations concerning tribal communities.
“For tribal development, for Adivasis, in the hills, and in north Bengal, the Mamata government’s total budget stands at Rs 2,000 crore. However, for Muslims and madrasas, the government’s allocation is Rs 5,800 crore. This injustice will not continue much longer,” he asserted.
The demand for Gorkhaland and increased political autonomy for the Darjeeling hills remains a deeply emotional and enduring political issue in north Bengal, often influencing electoral outcomes in the area.
Numerous protests, from the GNLF movement led by Subhash Ghising in the 1980s to later demonstrations spearheaded by Bimal Gurung and the GJM, have repeatedly shaken the hills.
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Despite the BJP’s growing presence in Darjeeling and its unwavering dominance in the Lok Sabha seat since 2009, the party has yet to endorse a separate state, as that could negatively affect south Bengal, opting instead to promote a “permanent political solution”.
