Darjeeling, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, is known for its beauty, but this seat has its own identity in the world of politics. The present time is of 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, so let us also understand about the electoral penetration of this district. Darjeeling district has 3 hill (Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong) and 3 plain (Siliguri, Phansidewa and Matigara-Naxalbari) seats. Generally, CM Mamata is considered to be dominant in West Bengal because she has made her place on the CM's chair thrice since 2011, but Darjeeling is an area where BJP has the upper hand and Mamata Banerjee also does not contest the elections from the front. This time elections are to be held in Darjeeling on 23 April.
Talking about the situation of assembly elections, the candidates who fought with the support of BJP in the 2021 assembly elections had won here. BJP has the support of Gorkha parties, hence Gorkha parties had won 3 hill and 3 plain seats. BJP's dominance on these seats is clearly visible not only in the assembly elections but also in the parliamentary elections. Since 2014, BJP candidates have consistently won the Darjeeling seat in parliamentary elections.
Gorkha parties have faith in BJP for a long time. They do not trust the leadership of the current government. People coming from the Gorkha community demand a separate Gorkha state. And in the hope of getting support for his demand, he is dependent on the ruling party of the central government. There are Gorkha parties (GJM, GNLF) here. Mamta is supporting Anit Thapa's BGPM among the parties in the Darjeeling hills area. This time there is a triangular contest between the Gorkha community in the elections. Mamta is in the fray for BGPM, BJP for GJM and candidates from a new party IGJF.
In the last few years, BJP has emerged as the most influential political force in the hills. Building on the RSS's hard work in successfully building and expanding its network among different groups and sub-groups in the hills and surrounding areas, the party has strengthened its position vis-à-vis TMC and other political rivals.
Home Minister Amit Shah's promise of a permanent political solution to the Gorkha land issue may be a political lure that is being placed in front of the Gorkha parties to strengthen the position of the BJP.
