Gangtok: The Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC), led by Bharat Dong, has issued an ultimatum to the governments of Sikkim and India, demanding either statehood for Darjeeling or its merger with Sikkim. The deadline, expiring on February 7, 2025, marks a critical moment in the long-standing debate over Darjeeling’s future, as tensions rise over the region’s administrative status.
Accusing the Sikkim government of stalling efforts for a merger, Dong reiterated the GRC’s historical claim that Darjeeling was never a part of West Bengal. He cited historical events, including the 1835 lease of Darjeeling from Sikkim and its subsequent transfer to Bengal during the 1905 partition. After India’s independence, Dong argued, the region was unfairly placed under West Bengal, ignoring competing claims from Pakistan, China, and India.
The GRC also highlighted a 1918 law that formalized Darjeeling’s inclusion in West Bengal but claimed the law was repealed in 2018. Despite this, they allege that no administrative changes have been made to address the region’s status. Dong further accused local politicians of exploiting the issue for personal gains, labeling them as “brokers” who have delayed meaningful progress.
The GRC leader issued a stark warning that failure to act by the February 7 deadline would result in the party demanding a separate country. “Darjeeling is neither a part of West Bengal nor India,” Dong declared, emphasizing the GRC’s readiness to escalate its demands if their concerns are not addressed.
For years, the GRC has advocated for Darjeeling’s merger with Sikkim, citing shared historical and cultural ties. However, Dong blamed Sikkim’s leadership for hindering the process, accusing them of reluctance to integrate Darjeeling into the state. According to Dong, misinformation and political maneuvering by ministers in both Sikkim and Darjeeling have contributed to the stalemate.
The party also referenced Darjeeling’s colonial history, pointing to its lease from Sikkim and the annexation of Kalimpong from Bhutan as evidence of its distinct identity. Despite decades of petitions to the central government, Dong said the region has been neglected, with no concrete steps taken to address the demands of its people.
“We have waited 23 years since our party’s formation, and still, no solution is in sight,” Dong lamented. “If Gorkhaland is unattainable, we will not accept the current status under West Bengal. Our land belongs to us, and we will fight for it.”
As the deadline looms, the GRC’s ultimatum adds pressure on the state and central governments to revisit the contentious issue of Darjeeling’s administrative future.
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