Darjeeling: Taking a cue from Nepal PM and rapper Balen Shah, poll-bound Darjeeling is now grooving to its own Nepali rap tracks ‘Parivartan' (meaning change) and ‘Torch Light Balne Bela Aayo' (It's Time to Light the Torch).
Shah's ‘Balidan' (Sacrifice) and ‘Ma Nepal Haseko Dekhna Chahanchu' (I Want to See Nepal Smiling) coincided with the 2025 Nepali Gen-Z protests, changing its political landscape and bringing Shah to the helm as the country's youngest PM.
Ajoy Edwards — also known for the landmark Glenarys he owns — who has set up his own party, the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front, has taken the same route to reach out to Gen-Z during the election campaign. His Nepali rap track Parivartan is worded to sound like a rallying cry for a generation seeking political transformation. Composed by local musician Gopal Mothay, it blends contemporary beats with a strong political message, which reflects themes of resilience, identity and defiance.
The Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, an ally of the Trinamool Congress, has also rolled out a campaign song ahead of the elections, underlining its core plank of peace, unity and development in the hills. Titled ‘Torch Light Balne Bela Aayo', the song revolves around the party's election symbol portraying it as a beacon of hope and progress.
Arguing against divisive politics, the lyrics stress that the movement is "neither about caste nor falsehood, but about truth and development." The song highlights visible improvements in infrastructure, pointing to better roads, healthcare facilities and schools reaching the grassroots.
In 2026, BJP has also released a rap song focusing on Trinamool's "corruption" and misrule. "This is more than just music; it's a reflection of growing public anger," BJP said while releasing the track on April 12.