Archive · 23 Sep 2026
St Joseph’s School Allows Morcha Foundation Day Event in Darjeeling
St Joseph’s School in Darjeeling has agreed to let the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha hold a party event there.
The event is planned for October 7.
Bimal Gurung leads the Morcha.
Suvendu Adhikari is expected to attend.
The school has hosted public events in the past, including celebrations and football matches.
However, it later became concerned about fairs and political programmes on its grounds.
The school had also taken the issue of using its property to the Calcutta High Court.
The Morcha reportedly chose the school after deciding not to use Chowrasta because a Durga Puja structure was being built there.
St Joseph’s School has permitted the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha to hold its foundation-day event on the grounds.
Bimal Gurung is expected to host the event on October 7, with Suvendu Adhikari expected to attend.
The school has historically hosted public events but later restricted political and administrative programmes.
School authorities previously approached the Calcutta High Court over use of the premises.
The event was reportedly moved from Chowrasta because a Durga Puja pandal was being installed there.
- Who
- The Bimal Gurung-led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, with Suvendu Adhikari expected to attend.
- What
- A foundation-day event has been permitted on St Joseph’s School’s grounds.
- When
- The event is scheduled for October 7.
- Where
- St Joseph’s School (North Point) grounds in Darjeeling.
- Why
- The venue was reportedly changed from Chowrasta because a Durga Puja pandal was being installed there.
Permission for the event
Concerns over political use
Use of school grounds
Permission for the event
The school’s rector said permission was granted after being told that the chief minister of Bengal would attend.
Concerns over political use
Sources said the school had previously become concerned about political events and fairs, including some allegedly involving gambling stalls.
Choice of venue
Permission for the event
The school ground has historically hosted public events, including Independence Day celebrations and football matches.
Concerns over political use
The school had pursued legal restrictions, and political and administrative programmes largely stopped being held there after 2014.
Use of Chowrasta
Permission for the event
Moving the programme to the school provided an alternative after a Durga Puja pandal was mounted at Chowrasta.
Concerns over political use
Large political and administrative events at Chowrasta have caused resentment among residents because they occupy limited public space used by walkers, senior citizens and tourists.
- Event
- Gorkha Janmukti Morcha foundation-day programme
- Date
- October 7
- Venue
- St Joseph’s School (North Point) grounds, Darjeeling
- Organiser
- Bimal Gurung-led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha
- Expected attendee
- Suvendu Adhikari
- School established
- 1888
- Earlier legal issue
- The school authorities had approached the Calcutta High Court over use of the premises.