Gorkha issues will be resolved within constitutional framework: Amit Shah
The Statesman | 16 April 2026
Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday assured that the long-pending issues of the Gorkhas in Darjeeling would “definitely be resolved,” stressing that the solution would be worked out within the constitutional framework.
Shah, who was scheduled to attend a public meeting in Darjeeling on Wednesday, could not make it due to unavoidable reasons. Instead, he addressed the gathering through a video message sent from Malda.
In his address, Shah said that as home minister, he had made multiple efforts over the past one and a half years to resolve the Darjeeling issue. “I convened three tripartite meetings, but neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor any representative from the state government attended,” he alleged.
He further stated that following this, he decided to visit Darjeeling personally and initiated the process for appointing an interlocutor. “An interlocutor was appointed and discussions were held with stakeholders. The interlocutor also sought to engage with the state government and the Chief Minister, but no response was received,” Shah claimed.
Accusing the state government of lacking intent, Shah said, “The West Bengal government does not want justice for the people of the hills.”
Seeking to reassure the Gorkha community, he added, “There is no need to worry. Once a BJP government is formed in West Bengal, resolving the issues of Darjeeling and the Gorkhas will be taken up on priority.”
Shah emphasised that any resolution would be within the constitutional framework and aimed at ensuring long-term stability in the hills.
Referring to the period of the Gorkhaland movement, he alleged that several political cases were filed against activists. “If the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, all such political cases will be withdrawn,” he said.
The home minister also announced that he would visit North Bengal on 21 April to address a public rally at Sukna, where he would present a detailed roadmap for Darjeeling and announce new initiatives for the Gorkha community.
“I regret not being able to attend today’s programme. I will soon visit and hold detailed discussions with you on resolving your issues,” Shah said in his concluding remarks.