West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing it of bypassing the state government in appointing retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor on Gorkha-related issues in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars. In a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee expressed “surprise and shock” over what she described as a unilateral and unconstitutional move.
“Such unilateral action is inconsistent with the spirit of cooperative federalism that forms one of the foundational principles of our Constitution,” Banerjee wrote in her two-page letter, urging the Prime Minister to immediately withdraw the appointment.
The Chief Minister asserted that the state government was not consulted on the decision, despite the fact that the issues in question directly impact governance and stability in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) — an autonomous body functioning under the state’s jurisdiction.
Banerjee warned that any central intervention without state coordination could “jeopardize the fragile peace” painstakingly maintained in the region for over a decade.
“Peace and harmony have prevailed in the hills since 2011 due to continuous and collective efforts by my government. Any unilateral step could undo the progress and stability we have built with the people’s trust,” she cautioned.
Recalling the Tripartite Agreement of July 18, 2011, signed between the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal, and the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Banerjee reminded the Centre that the GTA was formed precisely to ensure socio-economic development while safeguarding the distinct identity of the Gorkha community.
She underlined that the success of that arrangement stemmed from mutual respect and coordination, not unilateral decisions.
“All future initiatives concerning the Gorkha community or the GTA region must involve the state government to maintain peace and inclusivity,” Banerjee stated, emphasizing that the Centre’s latest move violates the principles of federal collaboration.
