‘Surprised and shocked’: Mamata Banerjee writes to PM, objects to Centre’s interlocutor on Gorkha issues

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing “surprise and shock” over the Union Government’s decision to appoint Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, IPS (Retd.), as an interlocutor on issues concerning the Gorkha community in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions. The Chief Minister criticised the move as being made without consultation with the state government.

Centre appoints interlocutor without state consultation
In her letter, Banerjee emphasised that the issues in question fall under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an autonomous body created by a tripartite agreement between the Union Government, the West Bengal government, and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on 18 July 2011. She stated that the unilateral appointment “undermines the principles of cooperative federalism” enshrined in the Constitution and could disrupt the delicate socio-political balance in the region.

Background: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)
The GTA was established to provide greater autonomy to the hill districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong. Its mandate includes:

• Ensuring socio-economic development
• Promoting infrastructural, educational, and cultural growth
• Safeguarding the ethnic identity of the Gorkha community
• Maintaining peace and harmony among all communities in the hills

The GTA was a result of prolonged negotiations to address the longstanding demand for Gorkhaland, a separate state for the Gorkha population, while maintaining West Bengal’s territorial integrity. Since its formation in 2011, the state government has maintained relative peace and stability in the region through continuous engagement with local communities and political stakeholders.

Political context and timing

The letter comes just days ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, adding a layer of political sensitivity. Banerjee’s party has argued that the Centre’s move could be seen as interference in state affairs, potentially destabilising the region’s hard-earned peace.

Mamata Banerjee calls for revocation

The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to reconsider and revoke the interlocutor appointment. She stressed that any initiative concerning the Gorkha community or the GTA region “must be undertaken in full consultation with the State Government” to preserve harmony. The letter concluded with a personal note wishing the Prime Minister a “Happy Diwali,” reflecting a diplomatic yet firm tone in her communication.

Significance for Centre-State relations

The incident highlights the ongoing debate over the scope of Union intervention in matters related to autonomous local governance bodies. West Bengal officials argue that unilateral decisions, particularly in sensitive regions like the Darjeeling Hills, could strain Centre-State relations and impact social stability.