 "GJM dismissed finalizing candidate for Darjeeling constituency")
A day after aligning with the BJP for the Lok Sabha polls, the GJM Tuesday dismissed speculation that the candidate for West Bengal's Darjeeling constituency has been finalised, and said a nominee for raising the Gorkhas' long-standing demands will be chosen soon.
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung, who discussed election strategies with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including senior leader L.K. Advani, said the candidate for Alipurduar will also be announced shortly.
"I would like to confirm that no names have come up for candidature. There are some rumours going around, but nothing has been finalised.
"We will get a candidate that would raise the long pending demands of the Gorkhas, the Adivasis and the deprived and destitute people of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts," Gurung said on Facebook.
In a snub to ex-football star Bhaichung Bhutia, who is contesting the polls on a Trinamool Congress ticket from Darjeeling, the GJM Monday entered into an alliance with the BJP, asserting it will support their candidates from Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar Lok Sabha seats.
GJM's support had enabled BJP's Jaswant Singh to bag the Darjeeling seat in 2009.
"We discussed about the imminent need to consolidate national security in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts as it's a geo-politically sensitive region. We also stressed the need for safety and security for the Gorkhas living in India," said Gurung about the meeting with BJP leaders.
BJP national executive member and West Bengal co-observer Siddharth Nath Singh said the candidates for the seats will be finalised and announced jointly by the two parties by March 13.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app