West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Challenges Central Gorkha Interlocutor Appointment

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has formally requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the Centre’s recent appointment of a retired police official as an interlocutor for Gorkha community matters in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars. Banerjee characterized the move as ‘unilateral’ and expressed her “surprise and shock” at not being consulted. In her communication, she stressed that such actions undermine the constitutional principle of cooperative federalism, particularly as the issues directly concern the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), which operates under state authority. Banerjee highlighted the significant progress in peace and stability within the hill districts since 2011, attributing this to the proactive governance of her administration. She cautioned that independent decisions by the Centre could jeopardize this fragile peace. Reminding the Prime Minister of the 2011 Tripartite Agreement that facilitated the GTA’s establishment for regional development, Banerjee asserted the necessity of state government involvement in all future dialogues. She believes that collaborative engagement is essential for fostering lasting harmony and ensuring the socio-economic and cultural upliftment of the Gorkha people. The Chief Minister urged a reconsideration and withdrawal of the interlocutor appointment to uphold a spirit of partnership.