In a historic political development, BJP MLA Bishal Lama was sworn in as a minister of state in the West Bengal cabinet on Monday, becoming the first Gorkha leader to hold a ministerial position in over five decades. The last Gorkha member to serve in a state cabinet was the late Deo Prakash Rai in 1971.
Analysts view Lama's induction as a significant milestone not only for the Dooars region but also for the broader Gorkha population across north Bengal and the Darjeeling Hills. The move is expected to address long-standing aspirations of the community.
Speaking to the Times of India, Lama expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the BJP. He stated, "The decision reflects the party's commitment towards our region and its people. Issues like tea garden land rights and development have always been important, but ensuring security, dignity, and justice for our community is equally crucial. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, I am confident that people of the region will receive the opportunities they deserve."
Lama emphasized that after 55 years of inadequate representation, a ministerial berth signals that attention is finally being directed to the aspirations and concerns of the local populace. "This position comes with immense responsibility and significant challenges. I will work with complete dedication for the welfare of people. We have struggled for a long time to reach this stage, and in the days ahead, our efforts will be directed towards addressing the needs of the Gorkha community and serving the region," the new minister of state added.
Lama retained the Kalchini (Scheduled Tribe) seat in the 2026 assembly elections, reaffirming the BJP's strong presence in the Dooars. He secured 1,14,759 votes, defeating Trinamool Congress candidate Birendra Bara by a margin of 37,843 votes. He was first elected from the constituency in 2021 after defeating TMC's Passang Lama by 28,576 votes.
Lama's appointment has revived memories of Deo Prakash Rai, who remained the dominant political voice in the Hills for nearly a quarter of a century. However, despite his presence in three successive state cabinets, the issue of administrative autonomy for the Hills remained unresolved.
Indira Rai, a 77-year-old retired nursing superintendent of Darjeeling District Hospital and a resident of Goody Road, recalled her uncle Deo Prakash's dedication to public service. "Even after becoming a minister, he never distanced himself from ordinary citizens. People would come to our home from different parts of the Hills with their problems, and he always made time for them," she said.
Indira noted that Lama's induction into the cabinet brought back vivid memories of her uncle's era. "For the Gorkha community, this is a proud and emotional moment. After such a long gap, another Gorkha neta has found a place in Bengal government. We hope this representation will strengthen the voice of people of the Hills and Dooars," she said.
Deo Prakash Rai passed away in 1981. Following his demise, the influence of the All India Gorkha League gradually declined, paving the way for newer political forces like Pranta Parishad and later the Gorkha National Liberation Front to dominate Hills politics.
