The BJP seems to be keeping its options open in the Darjeeling hills where rural polls are set to be held this year after two decades and parliamentary elections the next year.

Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista called on Bimal Gurung here on Friday at a time when the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader is slowly distancing himself from Trinamul and making efforts to raise the Gorkhaland demand again.

On two earlier occasions, Gurung said he was working independently of both Trinamul and the BJP. He had organised a seminar in Delhi on the statehood issue a month ago.

On Friday, Bista termed his visit “personal” and Gurung as “my big brother.” “We have the same blood flowing in us,” said Bista.

The Darjeeling MP won the 2019 Lok Sabha election with Gurung’s support.

“It is my duty to meet him.... I cannot forget his support in 2019,” said Bista, but insisted that the visit “did not mean that our political relations have changed”.

Many recalled the blistering attack Bista had led against Gurung when he was Trinamul’s ally. “It is interesting to note Bista’s tone towards Gurung two years back and on Friday,” said an observer.

Bista had in February 2021 said hill leaders only sought money in Delhi.

“It is because of the leaders that the (hill) people have achieved nothing. Once (these leaders) reach Delhi, they only want money. So, how will you get Gorkhaland? The day I have to reveal, I will reveal everything, I will even reveal (Gurung’s) shoe size,” Bista had said.

The BJP MP had added he had rescued Gurung from a “toilet when he was holed up for two hours” during a visit to meet Darjeeling municipal councillors, referring to the days when Gurung was on the run from the state government. “And yet, they say we did nothing for them,” Bista had said.

On Friday Bista said: “Our political relations are different. He is not with the BJP but personal blood relations are in their own place…. I have not come to meet him like a thief under the cover of darkness.”

Gurung refused to comment on the visit.

Gurung’s party is jointly organising a Gorkha unity event at Darjeeling along with Ajoy Edwards of Hamro Party.

Anit Thapa’s BGPM and Trinamul are working closely in Darjeeling hills now.

The BJP’s major political partner is the GNLF. “It will be interesting to see how GNLF takes Bista’s visit to Gurung,” said an observer.