What is the significance of the Gorkhaland all-party meeting on Nov 9?
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Synopsis
The upcoming all-party meeting on November 9, called by the GJM, is a crucial step towards resolving the long-standing Gorkhaland issue. With political stakes high in the hills of West Bengal, this meeting could shape the future of the region.
Key Takeaways
- All-party meeting scheduled for November 9.
- Focus on permanent political solution for Gorkhaland.
- Involves key political stakeholders.
- Significant in light of upcoming elections.
- Interlocutor appointed for tripartite talks.
Kolkata, Nov 5 (NationPress) The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), under the leadership of Bimal Gurung, has organized a vital all-party meeting scheduled for November 9 to deliberate on a permanent political resolution concerning the regions of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpon in northern West Bengal.
GJM General Secretary Roshon Giri confirmed this development on Wednesday, stating that the decision to convene the meeting arose during an organizational gathering on Tuesday night.
"Recently, the Union government designated an interlocutor for tripartite discussions regarding a permanent political resolution in the hills. The upcoming all-party meeting on November 9 aims to address this matter. Our leadership believes that consensus among all parties on certain crucial aspects related to the overall development of the hills is essential. The meeting will focus on these topics as well," Giri remarked.
Last month, the Union government appointed Pankaj Kumar Singh, former Deputy National Security Advisor and ex-Director General of the Border Security Force, as the interlocutor for tripartite talks aimed at resolving the longstanding demand for Gorkhaland statehood.
This proposed state would encompass the hill regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, alongside portions of the Terai and Dooars in northern Bengal.
Both the Trinamool Congress and the West Bengal government have expressed strong opposition to this initiative. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a reconsideration and revocation of the decision to appoint an interlocutor.
Political analysts perceive the forthcoming all-party meeting as crucial in light of the approaching West Bengal Assembly elections next year. The hills are comprised of three Assembly constituencies: Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong.
During the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP candidates endorsed by GJM emerged victorious in Darjeeling and Kurseong, while a candidate backed by the Trinamool Congress, representing the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), won in Kalimpong.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s Raju Bista was re-elected from the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency for a second consecutive term.
Point of View
The Gorkhaland issue remains a complex challenge involving various political stakeholders. The all-party meeting is a promising step towards fostering dialogue and understanding among parties. As the nation watches, it is crucial that all voices are heard in the quest for a sustainable resolution.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the all-party meeting?
The all-party meeting is convened to discuss a permanent political solution for the hills of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong.
Who is leading the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha?
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is led by Bimal Gurung.
Why is the meeting significant?
The meeting is significant due to its timing, as it precedes the West Bengal Assembly elections, and aims to unify political parties on key issues.
Who has been appointed as the interlocutor?
Pankaj Kumar Singh, former Deputy National Security Advisor, has been appointed as the interlocutor for the tripartite talks.
What regions are involved in the Gorkhaland demand?
The demand for Gorkhaland involves the hill regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, along with parts of the Terai and Dooars.
