Addressing a rally in Kurseong in Darjeeling district, Amit Shah promised that the BJP would deliver a solution acceptable to the Gorkha community. He claimed that no other party has the capacity to resolve the issue meaningfully. He also said every Gorkha would “have a smile on his face” within six months of a BJP government taking charge in West Bengal.
Shah did not mention Gorkhaland or statehood in his speech. The Gorkha issue remains tied to a long-standing demand for a separate state in north Bengal’s hill region. Instead, he reiterated the BJP’s position of a “permanent political solution” aligned with Gorkha aspirations.
Six-Month Deadline Becomes Key Promise
The Home Minister fixed a clear timeline. He said the BJP would settle the issue within six months of forming the government. He added that the party understands Gorkha concerns and would work towards a settlement “on their terms”.
He also said the issue has persisted for decades because earlier governments failed to address the aspirations of the hill population. According to him, only the BJP has shown intent and capability.
TMC Accused of Non-Cooperation in Talks
Shah criticised the Trinamool Congress for not taking part in discussions on the issue. He informed that he held three meetings after becoming Home Minister, but the West Bengal government did not send any representative.
An interlocutor now engages with Gorkha organisations and state officials. Shah said this process will help prepare a detailed report.
He also accused the Congress and TMC of doing injustice to the people of Darjeeling and north Bengal over several decades.
Electoral Roll Issue and Legal Assurances
Shah raised concerns over the alleged deletion of Gorkha names from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. He assured that a BJP government would restore all such names after coming to power.
He also promised that what he described as false cases against Gorkha activists would be withdrawn. He said the process would conclude before July 31.
Wider Political Attack in Bengal
Shah widened his criticism beyond the hills. He targeted the TMC government over broader governance issues in West Bengal. He said the election aims to end years of neglect in north Bengal and Darjeeling.
He also referred to the Sandeshkhali incident while criticising the state government. He called it a reflection of public anger.
Shah pointed out that the BJP has consistently won the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat since 2009. He urged voters across West Bengal to extend support beyond the hills in this election.
The Gorkha issue, rooted in decades of political mobilisation, once again became the centre of Shah’s campaign message. It combined a fixed deadline promise with a wider political push against the ruling party.
