West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly objected to the Centre’s recent appointment of Pankaj Kumar Singh, former Deputy National Security Advisor, as the interlocutor for discussions on the Gorkha issue in North Bengal. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 18, 2025, Banerjee termed the move “shocking” and “unilateral,” accusing the Centre of bypassing the state government and violating the principles of cooperative federalism.
The appointment, announced earlier this week, aims to initiate dialogue with stakeholders in the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions, where demands for greater autonomy and recognition of Gorkha identity have persisted for decades. Banerjee’s letter highlights that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was constituted through a tripartite agreement in 2011 involving the Centre, the West Bengal government, and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)—making any unilateral action by the Centre a breach of protocol.
🧠 Key Highlights of Mamata Banerjee’s Objection
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Letter | October 18, 2025 |
| Appointed Interlocutor | Pankaj Kumar Singh, IPS (Retd) |
| Appointing Authority | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| CM’s Objection | Unilateral decision, no consultation with state |
| Regions Involved | Darjeeling, Terai, Dooars |
| Constitutional Concern | Violation of cooperative federalism |
| Political Implication | Strain on Centre-State relations |
Banerjee urged the Prime Minister to revoke the appointment and initiate fresh consultations with the state government before proceeding.
📊 Timeline of Gorkha Issue and Interlocutor Appointment
| Year | Milestone Description |
|---|---|
| 2011 | GTA formed via tripartite agreement |
| 2017 | Gorkhaland agitation intensifies |
| 2023 | GTA elections held under state oversight |
| October 2025 | Centre appoints interlocutor without state consultation |
| October 18 | Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi |
The Gorkha issue remains one of the most sensitive identity-based movements in Eastern India, with demands ranging from autonomy to statehood.
🗣️ Reactions from Political Leaders, Gorkha Bodies, and Analysts
- Mamata Banerjee: “This appointment is inconsistent with the spirit of federalism.”
- Raju Bista (BJP MP, Darjeeling): “The Centre is committed to resolving Gorkha concerns. The CM should cooperate.”
- GJM Leader: “We welcome dialogue but want all stakeholders involved.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| State Government | Opposed to unilateral appointment |
| BJP Leaders | Defending Centre’s proactive approach |
| Gorkha Organizations | Seeking inclusive dialogue |
| Analysts | Warning of political fallout in North Bengal |
The issue is expected to dominate regional political discourse ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
🧾 Comparative Snapshot: Centre-State Coordination on Regional Autonomy
| Region | Issue Type | Centre’s Approach | State’s Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | Article 370 revocation | Unilateral | Minimal consultation | Constitutional change |
| Nagaland | Peace talks | Interlocutor appointed | Consulted | Ongoing dialogue |
| Darjeeling | Gorkha autonomy | Interlocutor appointed | Not consulted | Political backlash |
The Darjeeling case is now being viewed as a litmus test for federal cooperation and regional sensitivity.
🧭 What to Watch in the Gorkha Interlocutor Controversy
- Centre’s Response: Whether PM Modi or MHA responds to Mamata’s letter
- GTA’s Position: Official stance from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration
- Political Mobilization: TMC may use issue to rally support in North Bengal
- Dialogue Format: Whether Centre revises interlocutor mandate to include state
Banerjee’s letter is a strategic move to assert state authority and protect regional political capital in a historically volatile zone.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified government communications, media reports, and political statements as of October 19, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute legal advice, political endorsement, or constitutional interpretation and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
