Bimal Gurung
Bimal Gurung (born July 17, 1964) is an Indian politician, the founder and president of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), and a prominent figure in the Gorkhaland movement. Known as the “Gorkhaland dreamer,” he has led the push for a separate state through a mix of mass mobilization, alliances, and negotiations, but his career is marred by controversies, legal battles, and factional strife.
Political Career
Gurung’s entry into formal politics came as a GNLF councillor for the Tukvar constituency in the DGHC after winning a by-election following the 2003 murder of the incumbent, Rudra Pradhan. As Ghisingh’s close aide, he rose quickly but broke ranks in 2007 over the Sixth Schedule proposal, which he saw as diluting Gorkhaland aspirations. Leveraging public fervor around Darjeeling’s Prashant Tamang (an Indian Idol contestant), Gurung founded GJM on October 7, 2007, rapidly gaining support and ousting Ghisingh.
Under GJM, Gurung became the first Chief Executive of the GTA in 2012 after uncontested elections. He negotiated the 2011 GTA accord, bringing temporary stability. His strategy emphasized non-violence, contrasting the 1980s bloodshed, and expanded GJM’s base to Dooars and terai Gorkhas.
Under GJM, Gurung became the first Chief Executive of the GTA in 2012 after uncontested elections. He negotiated the 2011 GTA accord, bringing temporary stability. His strategy emphasized non-violence, contrasting the 1980s bloodshed, and expanded GJM’s base to Dooars and terai Gorkhas.
Role in Agitations
Gurung spearheaded the 2017 indefinite bandh, demanding Gorkhaland post-Telangana, which paralyzed the hills for 104 days, causing widespread disruption and violence. Critics blamed him for escalation, including alleged instigation of clashes. The agitation’s fallout included his flight and party split. Earlier, he led 2008 anti-Sixth Schedule protests and 2013 strikes.