09/03/2024
Darjeeling Lok Sabha Constituency: A Political Sum-up
By Praful Gurung
Darjeeling is one of the 42 parliamentary seats in West Bengal, centred around the town of Darjeeling. The constituency has a rich history of political activism, particularly through the Gorkhaland movement, advocating for a separate state for the Gorkha community. This movement has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's political narrative.The constituency has seen a varied representation over the years. Notable Members of Parliament (MPs) include Theodore Manaen, Maitreyee Basu, Ananda Pathak, and more recently, Raju Bista, They are from The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Indian National Congress (INC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have all had a share in representing Darjeeling in Parliament.In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP candidate Raju Bista emerged victorious with a substantial margin of 4,13,443 votes, securing 59.08% of the votes. This victory marked the BJP's continued presence in the constituency since 2009. Bista's win reflected the BJP's growing influence in the region.
As per the Election Commission data, during the 2019 elections, Darjeeling constituency had a total of 1,437,126 electors, with 817,687 male voters and 793,609 female voters. Additionally, there were 7,145 postal votes and 10,753 service voters. The estimated Scheduled Caste population in the constituency is 5.52%.
The BJP's stronghold in Darjeeling is noteworthy, indicating a possible continuity in its representation. However, the political landscape in Darjeeling remains dynamic, with emerging regional parties like BGPM and HP gaining traction. This suggests a shifting political paradigm where stability and development may outweigh disruptive tactics.
As the constituency navigates through its political journey, it remains a microcosm of India's diverse political fabric. With the Lok Sabha election on the horizon, the question arises: which party will win the Darjeeling constituency? Comment Below!