Why is Mamata Banerjee Opposing PM Modi's Interlocutor Appointment for Gorkhaland?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Kolkata, Nov 17 - West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has formally opposed PM Modi's appointment of Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor for Gorkhaland discussions, citing constitutional concerns and federal encroachment. This marks a significant political move amidst ongoing demands for separate statehood in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee opposes the appointment of Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor.
- The Gorkhaland issue remains a contentious political topic.
- Concerns over federalism and state autonomy are central to this dispute.
- The Union government has yet to respond to Banerjee's objections.
- Political tensions between the state and center may influence future governance.
Kolkata, Nov 17 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reached out once again to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, expressing her strong opposition against the Union government's decision to appoint Pankaj Kumar Singh, the former Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) and former Director General of the Border Security Force, as an interlocutor for tripartite discussions regarding a permanent political resolution to the long-standing demand for a separate Gorkhaland state. This statehood would encompass the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, as well as certain areas in the Terai and Dooars regions of north Bengal.
This marks the second correspondence from the Chief Minister to the Prime Minister concerning this matter. Previously, on October 18, she had sent her initial letter on the subject.
In her letter dated Monday, the Chief Minister accused the Union Ministry of Home Affairs of neglecting her earlier concerns by allowing the interlocutor's office to commence operations.
"Please refer to my letter dated October 18, 2025, in which I requested the reconsideration and revocation of the appointment of a retired IPS officer as the interlocutor for Gorkha issues in the Darjeeling hills. Your office had acknowledged my letter and advised the Union Home Minister to take notice. It is alarming that without any prior response to my letter, the office of the interlocutor under the Ministry of Home Affairs has already started functioning, as communicated in a memo dated November 10, 2025. This is truly shocking," the letter stated.
In her correspondence, she characterized this development as a "unilateral" and "arbitrary" action by the Union government, which she claims is entirely unconstitutional and lacks any legal basis.
"This order lacks any foundation in the Constitution of India or any valid statutory provision," the Chief Minister asserted in her letter.
According to Chief Minister Banerjee, the appointment of an interlocutor to address issues already governed by valid state law represents a blatant infringement on the federal structure of the nation and undermines the autonomy of West Bengal.
"Such actions undermine the essence of cooperative federalism, a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution," the letter further elaborated.
Additionally, she accused the Union government of failing to provide any rationale or jurisdiction for this extraordinary and unwarranted measure.
Point of View
It is crucial to understand the implications of political maneuvers like the one witnessed in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee's opposition to the appointment of an interlocutor reflects deep-rooted concerns about state autonomy and federalism, issues that resonate across the country. Maintaining a balance between federal and state powers is essential for a harmonious governance structure.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gorkhaland issue?
The Gorkhaland issue revolves around the demand for a separate state for the Gorkha community, covering the Darjeeling hills and parts of north Bengal, due to historical, cultural, and political reasons.
Who is Pankaj Kumar Singh?
Pankaj Kumar Singh is a former Deputy National Security Advisor and former Director General of the Border Security Force, appointed as an interlocutor for discussions on the Gorkhaland issue.
Why did Mamata Banerjee oppose Singh's appointment?
Mamata Banerjee opposed Singh's appointment due to concerns over federal overreach and the perceived unconstitutional nature of the appointment, which she argues undermines West Bengal's autonomy.
What are the implications of this political dispute?
The dispute highlights tensions between the state and central governments, raising questions about federalism and state autonomy, which could affect governance and political stability in the region.
How has the central government responded?
As of now, the central government has not publicly addressed Banerjee's concerns or provided a rationale for Singh's appointment.
