West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has once again appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the Centre’s appointment of an interlocutor for Darjeeling. This fresh communication comes 29 days after her earlier letter dated 18 October in which she had raised similar objections. The Centre had named former deputy national security adviser Pankaj Kumar Mishra as the official representative to deal with matters concerning Darjeeling, the Dooars and the Terai, triggering strong resistance from the state government.
Mamata says the Centre’s step on the Darjeeling interlocutor issue violates constitutional norms
In her second letter, Mamata stated that she was deeply shocked to learn that the interlocutor’s office had already begun functioning as per a Ministry of Home Affairs memo dated 10 November 2025. She expressed concern that this development came despite her earlier objections and without any response from the Centre. She described the move as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and politically motivated, reiterating that the state rejects this interference in its internal matters.
Bengal govt cites GTA Act in objection to the Darjeeling interlocutor issue
The chief minister emphasised that Darjeeling is an integral part of West Bengal and is governed by the Gorkha Territorial Administration Act, 2011. She pointed out that the Act was passed by the state assembly, received Presidential assent, and came into force in 2012. Under its provisions, the appropriate governing authority is the Government of West Bengal. Mamata argued that the Centre’s unilateral step has no basis in the Constitution or any statutory framework.
Centre assigns Pankaj Mishra key responsibilities related to Gorkha communities
Pankaj Mishra has been appointed with the rank of a secretary to the Union government. His mandate includes recommending measures for cultural recognition, social and economic development, and preservation of Gorkha heritage, while addressing community aspirations within the constitutional structure. Political observers believe this indicates that the Centre wants to move cautiously after the state’s strong opposition.
Political stakes rise ahead of Bengal polls as hill demands remain unresolved
The interlocutor’s appointment comes months before the Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April–May next year. The BJP, which has grown steadily in the state since 2009, is yet to fulfil two key promises in the hills: a permanent political solution for the region and tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities. While support for Gorkhaland remains strong in Darjeeling, resistance is equally firm in other parts of Bengal. The hills currently elect three MLAs in the 294-member state assembly, making the region politically significant.
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