West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived in Darjeeling today, November 11 for a three-day official visit, marking her first visit to the hills in nearly two years. During her stay, discussions are expected to be held with members of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and heads of various development boards on November 12, according to sources at Nabanna.
Political and administrative significance is attached to her meeting with the GTA, governed by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) led by Anit Thapa, as municipal elections in Kurseong, Mirik, and Kalimpong approach. Control of the GTA, which was formed in 2012 to address governance and development needs in the hills, is currently held by the BGPM, an ally of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Key development decisions could potentially be influenced through the Chief Minister’s discussions with local leaders, especially in light of allegations of mismanagement of state funds within some development boards. Established for cultural preservation and economic advancement, the region’s 16 development boards have been under close scrutiny following concerns raised last year over fund usage.
On November 13, the Saras Mela at Darjeeling’s iconic Chowrasta will be inaugurated by Banerjee, with the event organized to showcase the work of rural artisans from both the hills and plains. An array of handicrafts is expected to be exhibited by artisans, providing a platform for regional art and culture.
After her visit to Darjeeling, Mamata Banerjee will be traveling to Siliguri and is scheduled to attend a ceremony in Kolkata on November 15 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda at Adivasi Bhavan in Rajarhat.
