GTA corruption probe ordered by Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
Synopsis
West Bengal's new BJP-led government is turning its anti-corruption lens on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration — an autonomous hill body run by a TMC ally — with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordering a formal probe into alleged irregularities that, critics say, were overlooked for years under the previous Mamata Banerjee government.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced a corruption probe into the GTA on 20 May 2025 at a review meeting in Siliguri .
The GTA is run by the BGPM under Chief Executive Anit Thapa , a political ally of the TMC .
North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik had separately raised corruption complaints against the GTA, reinforcing the probe push.
CM Adhikari committed to a zero-tolerance anti-corruption stance and pledged to deliver on the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' promises for North Bengal within one year .
The Chief Minister is scheduled to revisit North Bengal in July to collect development proposals from BJP workers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, 20 May announced that a formal investigation will be launched into alleged corruption in the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the autonomous body overseeing civic affairs across the hill districts of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in North Bengal. The announcement came during an administrative review meeting in Siliguri, chaired by the Chief Minister himself.
What Triggered the Probe
The GTA is currently governed by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, who also serves as its Chief Executive. The BGPM is an ally of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Chief Minister Adhikari alleged that under the previous Mamata Banerjee-led state government, rampant corruption in the GTA's operations went unchecked, reportedly shielded because of the BGPM's political alignment with the then-ruling party.
Notably, North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik had also recently raised complaints about corruption within the GTA, lending further weight to the push for an inquiry.
What the Chief Minister Said
'Now a probe into the charges of such corrupt activities in the GTA will start. Recently, the North Bengal Development Minister, Nisith Pramanik, too, complained of corruption in the GTA. All these will be probed now. As I have already said, the new state government will operate with a zero-tolerance approach against corruption. This will be applicable in case of GTA as well,' Chief Minister Adhikari said.
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed that his government intends to fulfil the development commitments made in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s pre-election manifesto — referred to as the 'Sankalp Patra' — for North Bengal, with a target of delivering on those promises within the next one year.
Next Steps for North Bengal
Chief Minister Adhikari confirmed he will return to North Bengal in July for a follow-up visit. He urged BJP workers in the region to compile proposals they wish to place before the state government, promising to collect and act on them during that visit. 'I assure that the state government will address those proposals to the next extent possible,' he said.
This comes amid a broader pattern of the new BJP-led state government in West Bengal signalling a clean-up of institutions previously under TMC influence. Whether the GTA probe results in formal action against named individuals remains to be seen, but the announcement marks the first direct political pressure on the autonomous hill body since the change of government.
Point of View
And the BGPM-run hill body is a visible pressure point. The real question is whether the inquiry produces verifiable outcomes or remains a holding statement. Past anti-corruption drives by incoming state governments in India have frequently stalled at the investigation stage, especially when they involve coalition-adjacent bodies. Adhikari's credibility on this front will be tested by whether charges are filed, not just announced.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GTA and why is it under scrutiny?
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is an autonomous body that governs civic affairs in the hill districts of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in North Bengal. It is now under scrutiny following allegations of rampant corruption during the tenure of the previous TMC-backed state government, which critics say shielded the GTA because its ruling party, the BGPM, is a TMC ally.
Who runs the GTA currently?
The GTA is currently governed by the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, who also serves as the body's Chief Executive. The BGPM is a political ally of the All India Trinamool Congress.
What did CM Suvendu Adhikari say about the probe?
Chief Minister Adhikari stated that a formal probe into corrupt activities within the GTA will now begin, citing complaints from North Bengal Development Minister Nisith Pramanik as well. He said the new state government would apply a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, including within the GTA.
What are the BJP's commitments for North Bengal?
Chief Minister Adhikari said his government will work to implement the development promises outlined in the BJP's pre-election 'Sankalp Patra' for North Bengal within one year. He also plans to visit North Bengal in July to collect development proposals from BJP workers in the region.
What happens next in the GTA corruption case?
A formal investigation is expected to be initiated following the Chief Minister's announcement. No specific timeline for the probe's completion has been stated, and no individuals have been formally named yet. CM Adhikari's July visit to North Bengal is expected to be the next major checkpoint for the government's North Bengal agenda.
