Tue Dec 24 00:47:48 UTC 2024: ## New Gorkhaland Party Launched in Darjeeling Hills
**Darjeeling, India (December 24, 2024)** – A new political party, the Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front (IGJF), was launched in the Darjeeling hills on Sunday, December 22, with the primary goal of achieving a separate state of Gorkhaland. The party, which absorbed Ajoy Edwards’ Hamro Party, appointed Mr. Edwards as its convenor.
The IGJF’s formation is significant given the decades-long focus on Gorkhaland in Darjeeling’s political landscape. Party leaders believe they can fill a perceived political void and challenge the ruling Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), which administers the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and is seen as close to the Trinamool Congress.
Mr. Edwards stated the IGJF will maintain equidistance from both the state and central governments, a notable position given the GTA’s alliance with the Trinamool Congress and the Darjeeling hills’ consistent election of BJP MPs to the Lok Sabha. The IGJF boasts prominent figures including former IPS officer Norbu Tshering and several other leaders.
Responding to the launch, BGPM leader and GTA chairperson Anit Thapa downplayed the IGJF’s significance, stating that the Gorkhaland demand transcends any single party. He acknowledged Mr. Edwards’ history of party formation, wishing the IGJF success. Mr. Edwards’ previous party, Hamro Party, briefly controlled the Darjeeling Municipality after winning elections three years ago but lost its majority due to defections. The formerly dominant Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) recently supported the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
First Piper 