The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won Darjeeling in three consecutive elections, but concerns within the BJP leadership regarding incumbent MP Raju Bista's performance have sparked a search for a more popular nominee.

The party is considering a strategic shift in its bid to retain the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, with reports suggesting that India's former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla could be a surprise candidate.

According to internal reports, local voters reportedly feel Bista has not adequately addressed the region's development needs.

In Shringla, the BJP sees an opportunity to project a fresh face and potentially win back alienated voters. His distinguished career as a diplomat, including ambassadorial roles in the US and Bangladesh, along with his key role in coordinating the G20 Summit, lend him considerable stature and name recognition.

Party sources suggest that fielding Shringla would send a strong message to Darjeeling voters, demonstrating the BJP's commitment to the region's development and its willingness to address local concerns.

BDST: 1213 HRS, DEC 17, 2023 
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