The picturesque hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are currently witnessing a political storm as the 2026 Assembly Elections approach. The electoral landscape has transformed into a high-stakes triangular contest between three dominant figures: Anit Thapa, Bimal Gurung, and Ajoy Edwards. With complex alliances and shifting loyalties, the calculation for the hill votes has never been this intricate.

Anit Thapa, the leader of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) and the current head of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), enters the fray with the advantage of incumbency. Allied with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Thapa’s campaign is built on the pillars of ‘Development and Stability.’ He argues that after years of unrest, his administration has brought peace and infrastructure to the region. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to leave all three hill seats for the BGPM underscores the strength of this alliance.

On the other flank is Bimal Gurung, the veteran leader of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), who is fighting to reclaim his lost glory. Partnering with the BJP, Gurung is once again drumming up support for ‘Gorkha Identity’ and a ‘Permanent Political Solution.’ His campaign taps into the deep-seated emotions of the Gorkha community, claiming that while development is necessary, the aspiration for a separate identity remains the ultimate goal.

The real wildcard this time is Ajoy Edwards and his ‘Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front’ (IGJF). Edwards has stunned political pundits by not only contesting the three hill seats but also fielding candidates in the plains of Siliguri and surrounding areas. By expanding his base to the plains, Edwards aims to consolidate the Gorkha vote bank that resides outside the immediate hills. He positions himself as a ‘Third Front’—a transparent and modern alternative to the traditional leadership of Thapa and Gurung.

As the election draws closer, the hill voters are faced with a difficult choice: Anit Thapa’s promise of governance, Bimal Gurung’s appeal to identity, or Ajoy Edwards’ vision for a fresh start. The outcome of this three-way battle will not only determine the leader of the hills but will also significantly impact the overall political dynamics of North Bengal.