BJP dissidents in Hills, Terai agree to campaign after talks with central leaders

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Disgruntled BJP leaders from the hills and Terai region of West Bengal have agreed to campaign for party candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections following a meeting with central leadership from New Delhi and Kolkata.

The party had been grappling with internal discord after announcing candidates for three hill constituencies and the Dooars, with several leaders expressing resentment over the selection process. Some had even threatened mass resignation and hinted at contesting independently.

The discontent was largely directed at Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who was accused by dissenting leaders of influencing ticket distribution without consulting district and block-level party members.

Among the prominent voices of protest was Rajen Mukhia, a former TMC hill president who joined the BJP in 2011. He had strongly opposed the party’s choice of candidates for the Assembly polls.

“We have decided to settle the issue for now after assurances from central BJP leaders during a closed-door meeting in Siliguri. We will campaign in support of all BJP candidates from the hills and plains from April 2,” Mukhia said on Monday.

He added that the matter was internal and would not be discussed publicly during the election period, but would be addressed after the polls.

The BJP has fielded Noman Rai of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) from Darjeeling, Bharat Chhetri from Kalimpong and Sonam Lama from Kurseong.

Earlier, there had been speculation that Mukhia or Manoj Dewan would be nominated from Kurseong, with indications reportedly given by Bista.

Dissenting leaders had objected to the party’s decision to give preference to GJM candidates, who were once considered political rivals.