Ajoy Edwards

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Ajoy Edwards
Born (1973-05-09) 9 May 1973 (age 51)
Darjeeling, India

Ajoy Edwards is a politician from Darjeeling, West Bengal. He is the founder and president of the regional political party Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front. Edwards is in local governance and advocates for development in the Darjeeling hills. [1] [2] [3] .

Early Life and Vision Edwards’ political journey was inspired by his belief that politics is the highest form of social work. His commitment to community service began in 2000, during the inception of the Darjeeling Carnival Fest, a cultural event that brought together the diverse communities of the region. Organizing the festival required navigating significant administrative challenges, which highlighted the power and importance of local governance. This experience planted the seeds of his political vision—leveraging political influence to bring tangible progress to the community and the region.

Political Journey Early Association with Subash Ghising and the GNLF
Ajoy Edwards shared a strong personal bond with Mann Ghising, his childhood friend and the son of the late Subash Ghising, the founder of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and a key leader of the Gorkhaland movement.
During the political upheaval of 2007, when Subash Ghising was ousted from power, Edwards stood by the Ghising family as they faced severe political and administrative challenges. His loyalty came at a personal cost—Edwards’ iconic business, Glenary’s, was attacked, forcing him to leave Darjeeling and spend nearly seven years in exile.
Despite these hardships, Edwards remained committed to the Gorkha cause. Upon returning to Darjeeling, he formally joined the GNLF as the Youth Convener and later became the Darjeeling Branch President. In these roles, he played a pivotal part in reviving the party and re-establishing its presence in the political landscape of the hills.
However, in 2021, Edwards parted ways with the GNLF due to ideological differences and his growing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership style. He was increasingly sidelined for being vocal about the need for collective leadership both within and outside the party, as well as the importance of unity among all Gorkha leaders and communities. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey.

Founding of Hamro Party On 25 November 2021, Ajoy Edwards launched Hamro Party, a new political platform that emphasized grassroots democracy and community-driven governance. The party’s name, which means “Our Party” in Nepali, was chosen through public voting on social media, reflecting Edwards’ commitment to collective decision-making. Hamro Party made an immediate impact, winning 18 out of 32 seats in the Darjeeling Municipality elections on 27 February 2022, just three months after its formation. The party also contested the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) elections the same year, securing 8 seats, with Edwards winning from the Sadar-3 constituency. Despite these achievements, Edwards recognized the need for greater unity among the Gorkha people. In December 2024, he dissolved Hamro Party and launched the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) to create a unified platform for the community’s political aspirations.

Founding of Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) On 22 December 2024, Edwards founded the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), a political party aimed at addressing the historical injustices faced by the Indian Gorkha community. The party advocates for the creation of Gorkhaland, land rights for the people of the Hills, Terai, and Dooars, minimum wages for tea garden workers, tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities, and rectifying political representation.

Personal Life Ajoy Edwards is widely respected for his entrepreneurial spirit and social commitment. He owns Glenary’s, a historic bakery and restaurant in Darjeeling that has become a symbol of the town’s heritage. Edwards’ resilience and dedication to his community have earned him admiration as a leader who prioritizes the well-being of the Gorkha people above all else.

Legacy Ajoy Edwards’ political journey is marked by his unwavering commitment to justice and equality for the Gorkha community. From his early days as a cultural organizer to his leadership in the GNLF, Hamro Party, and now IGJF, Edwards has consistently demonstrated his belief in the power of collective leadership and community-driven change.

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References

  1. ↑ Chhetri, Vivek (1 September 2024). "Parleys on for new party for Gorkhaland with Ajoy Edwards being projected as the leader". The Telegraph (India) . Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  2. ↑ Singh, Shiv Sahay (28 March 2024). "Lok Sabha elections | Darjeeling's Harmro Party chief Ajoy Edwards joins Congress". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  3. ↑ Chhetri, Vivek (22 May 2024). "Ajoy Edwards offers legal aid in Madan Tamang's case: 2010 murder of hill leader remains explosive". The Telegraph (India) . Retrieved 1 September 2024.
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