War of words erupts over Centre’s interlocutor for Gorkha talks
The Statesman | 23 October 2025The move, which the central government says is aimed at addressing long-pending demands of the Gorkha community, has triggered sharp reactions — dividing political camps between those supporting and those opposing the BJP.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly objected to the Centre’s appointment of retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as the interlocutor, terming the decision “unilateral and against the spirit of federalism.” In her recent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she urged the Centre to reconsider and revoke the appointment, alleging that it was made “without prior and due consultation with the West Bengal government.”
In the Hills, the issue has sparked a war of words between the pro-BJP camp and the pro-Mamata Banerjee faction, led by the Bharatiya Gorkha Projatantrik Morcha (BGPM), headed by Anit Thapa.
Adding to the tension, a section of Hill residents has circulated an old video of late All India Gorkha League president Madan Tamang, who had described the concept of interlocutors as “brokers” and “dalals”, alleging that such exercises were merely “games of money.”
While Anit Thapa, also the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), has not yet commented officially, GTA’s public relations officer SP Sharma dismissed the Centre’s move as an “eyewash” and “political lollipop” aimed at influencing the upcoming Assembly elections.
“The Centre already knows the aspirations of the Gorkha people in this region. Is there any need to appoint an interlocutor again to discuss the same issues?” Sharma asked.
The controversy comes at a time when Mamata Banerjee’s government has been actively reaching out to the Hills. During her recent visit, she distributed relief among families affected by the devastating landslides of October 4-5 that claimed 21 lives in Darjeeling and Mirik sub-divisions. The chief minister also handed Rs 5 lakh compensation over to each bereaved family and offered Special Home Guard appointments to one member of each affected household.
However, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista criticised the move, calling the appointment of bereaved family members as Home Guards “an insult to the dignity of the Hill people.”
Meanwhile, different Hill-based parties have taken divergent stands on the interlocutor issue. While Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM), Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), and Ajoy Edwards-led Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) welcomed the Centre’s move, BGPM has staunchly opposed it.
Norbu Tshering, retired IPS officer and senior IGJF leader, said the Hill parties must remain united to push for a “permanent political solution.” He also made it clear that the IGJF would “not accept any interim administrative arrangements like DGHC or GTA.”
Amid escalating exchanges, MP Raju Bista lashed out at BGPM leaders, accusing them of corruption and illegal activities.
“Anit Thapa will sell sand, I will sell GTA and bring Gorkhaland,” Bista said in a visibly angry tone, alleging that certain BGPM leaders, including Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha, were involved in illegal riverbed mining.
Just days earlier, Bista’s convoy was allegedly attacked near Bijanbari while returning from landslide-affected areas.
The MP Bista allocated Rs 50 lakh from his MPLAD funds for the immediate repair and reconstruction of the Fanchaytar-Fedi Khola Road, and an additional Rs 10 lakh for the renovation of Lodhoma Public Ground.
“I am hopeful that the District Magistrate will expedite the fund release process given the extent of the damages. Quick reconstruction is essential to ensure relief and rebuilding efforts reach affected people in time,” Bista said.
In a more positive development, Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, also from the BJP, has announced ‘Rojgar Mela 2.0’ under the banner of the Darjeeling Welfare Society, will be held in Siliguri in mid November this year.
The event aims to provide job opportunities to nearly 7,000 local youth across 50 reputed organisations across India.
As the political fault lines deepen, the Centre’s move to appoint an interlocutor has once again revived the debate over the long-standing Gorkha demand for a “permanent political solution.”
With the BJP and Trinamul Congress taking opposing stances, and local parties split in their responses, the Hills seem poised for another round of political confrontation — even as the people await meaningful dialogue and real change.
