The recent agitation was sparked off after the Mamata Banerjee government made Bengali compulsory in schools
The Gorkhaland issue appears to be getting stickier for the BJP, which is finding it difficult to accept the demand for a separate state carved out of West Bengal. "The BJP is not in favour of a separate Gorkhaland. But, we are sympathetic to their demand for protecting their culture and addressing development needs," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya said.
He said that the Gorkha Territorial Administration should be empowered, administratively and financially to address the demands of the people. "The reasons for the agitation should be addressed," he said.
However, the BJP, of which the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) is an ally, would rather lob the ball into the state government's court. Vijayvargiya said that the state government should take a stand first.
The recent agitation was sparked off after the Mamata Banerjee government made Bengali compulsory in schools.
BJP sources said there were also concerns about security and China taking advantage keeping in mind Darjeeling's geographical location as major reasons that went against granting statehood. They also said that given that a region with "just two-and-a-half assembly seats" could not be converted into a separate state.
A division of the state could come in the way of the party's plans to capture more political space in the state by 2019. The BJP was hoping to make major inroads in West Bengal, where it has increased its presence.
However, some in the BJP are of the view that the Gorkhaland demand should be seriously examined. BJP chief Amit Shah had a meeting with party leaders on issues related to West Bengal.
However, the GJM is still hopeful that the BJP will look into its demands, as promised by it. "Mr Vijayvargiya may have his views but we have directly dealt with central BJP and been partners since 2007. And It was with a specific understanding that the BJP will support the demand of the Gorkhas as a party which favoured small states," said GJM leader Swaraj Thapa.
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