Kolkata, October 18, 2025 — West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised objections to the Central Government’s recent decision to appoint retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as the interlocutor for addressing Gorkha-related issues in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.
In a letter sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi dated October 18, the Chief Minister termed the appointment unilateral and made without consultation with the State Government. She expressed concerns that such a move undermines the principles of cooperative federalism, particularly on matters involving sensitive regional and ethnic issues.
“This appointment has been made unilaterally without any consultation with the State Government. This is against the spirit of federal cooperation and the constitutional framework,” Banerjee wrote.
Centre’s Move Welcomed in the Hills
Despite the State’s strong opposition, the Centre’s decision has been welcomed by several political observers and local stakeholders in the hills, who view it as a positive and long-overdue initiative to re-establish structured dialogue with the Gorkha community.
The appointment of an interlocutor is being interpreted as an effort to address persistent concerns over governance, autonomy, and identity, particularly under the current Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) framework.
Many residents and community leaders in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and nearby areas see the development as an opportunity to initiate meaningful engagement that could lead to long-term peace and administrative stability.
Criticism of State’s Absence in Earlier Talks
Critics have also highlighted that the West Bengal Government did not participate in the last two rounds of tripartite talks convened by the Central Government, aimed at discussing various challenges faced by the Gorkha community. The State’s continued absence has raised questions about its commitment to resolving the long-standing demands of the region.
“The Centre is trying to revive the dialogue process, which has remained stagnant for years. The State Government must come forward and cooperate,” said a senior political analyst.
Call for Dialogue and Cooperation
While Chief Minister Banerjee stressed the need for harmony in her letter, many believe that open and cooperative dialogue involving the Centre, State, and local representatives is crucial to achieving sustainable solutions for the region.
The appointment of Pankaj Kumar Singh, a senior retired police officer with administrative experience, is expected to facilitate conversations that address issues of local governance, ethnic identity, and regional development in a more inclusive manner.
