•Rohit Thapa, a former powerful leader of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and close associate of Bimal Gurung, has joined Trinamool Congress.
•Thapa accepted the Trinamool flag from district president Prakash Chik Baraik at a meeting in Alipurduar.
•Once a central committee member of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Thapa was a prominent leader during the Gorkhaland movement in Dooars.
•Trinamool believes Thapa's joining will significantly help secure Gorkha votes, especially in Kalchini and Madarihat constituencies with 50% Gorkha voters.
•The move is seen as a major boost for Trinamool's organizational strength and development efforts in Gorkha areas ahead of elections.
