Centre Appoints Darjeeling Interlocutor, West Bengal Pushes Back
The move revives BJP pledges to address Gorkha demands, sharpening federal tensions with Kolkata.
Overview
- Retired deputy NSA and former BSF chief Pankaj Kumar Singh has been named the Centre’s interlocutor for issues in Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai.
- Mamata Banerjee has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke the order, calling it unilateral, inconsistent with cooperative federalism, and dismissive of the GTA’s mandate.
- Hill politics split quickly, with BJP-aligned GJM and GNLF welcoming the choice while BGPM, TMC and Left-Congress voices derided it as an election ploy or eyewash.
- Singh’s selection reflects his long central-deputation record and Bengal experience, including stints as BSF DG and deputy NSA, which MHA sources cite as key to his appointment.
- Ground tensions have flared with an alleged stone-pelting of Darjeeling MP Raju Bista’s convoy, as the debate over a ‘permanent political solution’ and tribal status returns ahead of the 2026 state polls.