Overview
- West Bengal’s chief minister sent a second letter on November 17 asking the Prime Minister to cancel the Centre’s interlocutor order, calling it unconstitutional and politically coloured.
- Her letter argues the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act, 2011 defines the Government of West Bengal as the competent authority for Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.
- She notes the PMO acknowledged her October 18 letter, yet a Home Ministry memo dated November 10 said the interlocutor’s office had already begun functioning.
- The Union Home Ministry appointed retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh to hold talks on Gorkha-related issues in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining Terai and Dooars.
- BJP leaders and several hill parties welcomed the appointment, while Suvendu Adhikari said the Centre’s move is lawful and criticized the state for not joining tripartite discussions.