Gorkha Rashtriya Congress issues ultimatum over Darjeeling's statehood and merger with Sikkim

The Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC) led by Bharat Dong, has issued a one-month ultimatum to the governments of Sikkim and India, demanding decisive action on the longstanding demand for either statehood for Darjeeling or its merger with Sikkim. The deadline has been set for February 7, 2025.

Dong accused the Sikkim government of obstructing progress toward the merger, a demand that has been central to the party's mission since its formation in 2004. "Darjeeling was never a part of West Bengal," he said citing historical and legal precedents. "It was taken on lease from Sikkim in 1835 and later placed under Bengal during the 1905 partition. After independence in 1947, it was unjustly handed to West Bengal, despite claims by India, Pakistan and even China at the time."

The GRC alleges that a 1918 law, which formalized Darjeeling's inclusion in West Bengal, was repealed in 2018. However, they claim that no corrective action has been taken to remove the region from West Bengal’s jurisdiction. Dong further criticized local politicians as "brokers" who exploit the issue for personal gain.

The party warned of escalating their demands if their grievances remain unaddressed. "If no action is taken by February 7, we will demand a separate country. Darjeeling is neither a part of West Bengal nor India," Dong said.

The GRC has long advocated for Darjeeling's merger with Sikkim arguing that the region shares historical and cultural ties with its neighboring state. However, they hold Sikkim’s leadership accountable for stalling the process. "Sikkim's reluctance to integrate Darjeeling has been a major obstacle. Ministers from both Sikkim and Darjeeling, along with an uninformed public, bear responsibility for the delay," Dong said.

Speaking on the region’s colonial history, the GRC pointed to Darjeeling's lease from Sikkim and the annexation of Kalimpong from Bhutan as evidence of its distinct identity. The party also highlighted past correspondence with the central government which they claim has ignored their demands for decades.

"We have waited 23 years since our party’s formation, and yet, no resolution is in sight," Dong said. "If Gorkhaland is unattainable, we will not accept the status quo under West Bengal. Our land belongs to us, and we will fight for it."