Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Glenary's Bar Sealing Sparks Gorkhaland Row
Ajoy Edwards, a leader in Darjeeling, thinks the government is being unfair.
They closed a part of his bar, Glenary’s, right after he helped build a bridge called the Gorkhaland Bridge.
He says this is because of politics and that the government isn’t listening to the people’s wishes for a separate state called Gorkhaland.
He also talks about how Darjeeling isn’t getting the same attention and development as other places in West Bengal.
He believes the people’s desire for Gorkhaland is strong and won’t go away, even if the government tries to ignore it.
Glenary’s bar section was sealed by the Excise Department shortly after the Gorkhaland Bridge inauguration, which Ajoy Edwards claims was politically motivated.
Edwards accuses the BJP of making false promises and the TMC of ignoring the cultural and linguistic diversity of Darjeeling.
The Gorkhaland Bridge was built with community effort and named to reflect the ongoing demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
The sealing of Glenary’s bar resulted in a 50% drop in sales, significantly impacting the business.
Edwards highlights the disparity in development between Darjeeling and other parts of West Bengal, including infrastructure and business ease.
- Who
- Ajoy Edwards, leader of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) and owner of Glenary’s bar
- What
- The sealing of Glenary’s bar section by the Excise Department and the inauguration of the Gorkhaland Bridge
- When
- Within 12 hours of the Gorkhaland Bridge inauguration
- Where
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Why
- Ajoy Edwards believes the sealing was politically motivated and a form of retaliation, while also highlighting the ongoing demand for Gorkhaland
- Location
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Key Figure
- Ajoy Edwards (IGJF leader)
- Action Taken
- Sealing of Glenary’s bar section
- Bridge Name
- Gorkhaland Bridge
- Financial Impact
- Sales dropped by 50%
- Seismic Zone
- Zone VI (highest-risk)
- Tourist Footfall
- Decreased international visitors
- Political Parties Involved
- BJP, TMC