Harka Bahadur Chettri raises Sikkim-Darjeeling merger issue with poster campaign in Kalimpong

DARJEELING, : Former Kalimpong MLA and Jan Andolan Party president Harka Bahadur Chettri reignited the debate on the proposed Sikkim-Darjeeling merger by putting up posters at Damber Chowk in Kalimpong on Thursday. The initiative, which he said would be extended to Sikkim and other parts of the Hills in the coming days, raises several questions about the political future of the Gorkha community.

One of the posters posed a question: “Is the Sikkim-Darjeeling merger a positive or negative development in the context of India’s democracy?” It further added that people should think, reflect and understand its long-term effect.

Another poster asked “who was behind the conspiracy that prevents the unification of people who share language, culture, geography and history?” Others questioned whether the merger is the only viable route to fulfil the aspirations of the Gorkhas and what would be long-term consequences to Darjeeling and Sikkim if a merger took place.

Chettri said they decided to put up the posters today as May 15 marks the formation of Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL) in 1943 by Damber Singh Gurung, a historic moment in Gorkha political mobilization. “We chose this day as a reminder that while visionary leaders once fought for our future, today there seems to be silence and fear around our key issues,” said Chettri.

Chettri expressed concern over the decline of issue-based politics in the Hills and criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on promises regarding a Permanent Political Solution (PPS). “Many talk about PPS but no one knows what it really means,” he said, adding that statehood promises have not materialized.

Referring to recent discussions around the merger, Chettri acknowledged that some organizations and individuals see it as the only remaining alternative. However, he emphasized that while a merger is not mandatory, open and unbiased dialogue between representatives of Sikkim and Darjeeling is essential. “People in Sikkim may not object, but political narratives could be manipulated to create divisions,” he warned, suggesting that a merger narrative could falsely portray that only Darjeeling would benefit.

Highlighting the lack of political clarity among local parties, he questioned whether the political leadership truly understands what is achievable and how to pursue it strategically. “We need to stop being directionless. Unity around one achievable issue is the need of the hour,” he said.

Interestingly, while the posters bore Chettri’s name, they did not carry the Jan Andolan Party’s insignia, suggesting a personal appeal rather than a partisan campaign.

Chettri concluded by urging both regions to engage in meaningful dialogue, saying, “It is not necessary that a merger must happen, but we must identify what is possible for the Hills and work towards it.”