West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written a strongly worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, objecting to the Centre’s unilateral decision to appoint former Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Pankaj Kumar Singh as an interlocutor to handle Gorkha-related issues in the Darjeeling, Dooars, and Terai regions. She described the move as a breach of federal principles and a clear bypassing of the state government’s authority.
Banerjee expressed “deep shock and disapproval” over the Centre’s action, noting that such sensitive matters require coordination and consultation with the state, given the complex socio-political dynamics of the region. Her letter, made public by the Chief Minister’s Office, accused the Union government of acting without regard for the tripartite framework that governs the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).
The appointment of Pankaj Kumar Singh, a senior former IPS officer and ex-Deputy NSA, has stirred political debate in West Bengal. The Chief Minister’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleged that the Centre’s decision was politically motivated and intended to influence voters in North Bengal ahead of the upcoming state elections. TMC leaders further argued that the move could destabilise peace efforts maintained by the GTA, which has been functioning under the purview of the state government since its formation.
In her letter, Banerjee reminded the Prime Minister that the GTA was created through a legally binding tripartite agreement among the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal, and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The agreement, she noted, clearly stipulates that any policy or administrative decision concerning the Gorkha community or the GTA region must involve the state government. She warned that unilateral central interventions could “disturb the fragile peace” and undo years of effort to stabilise governance in the hills.
Banerjee urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the appointment of the interlocutor immediately and initiate consultations with the state government before proceeding on any Gorkha-related issues. “Such unilateral action goes against the spirit of cooperative federalism and may create unnecessary friction between the Centre and the state,” she wrote.
Despite the sharp tone of her protest, Banerjee concluded her letter on a personal note, extending Diwali greetings to the Prime Minister in her own handwriting. She reiterated her expectation that the Centre would reconsider its decision in the interest of maintaining trust, coordination, and peace in the region.
Political observers note that the timing of the controversy—just before the festive season and ahead of elections—adds a layer of political tension between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led central government, particularly in the electorally significant northern districts of West Bengal.
