Although elected members of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) met the Centre-appointed interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh in Darjeeling, GTA Chief Anit Thapa chose to remain absent.
The decision drew sharp political criticism on Wednesday from BJP national spokesperson and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.
Bista questioned Thapa’s reluctance to engage with the Interlocutor, particularly at a time when the future of the GTA and the long-standing political aspirations of the Darjeeling hills are once again in focus ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Referring to Thapa’s political journey ~ from his association with the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) under Bimal Gurung during the Gorkhaland movement to his subsequent alignment with the Trinamul Congress (TMC) ~ Bista accused the GTA Chief of abandoning the aspirations of the hill people.
“Perhaps Anit Daju is unaware that the BJP has already included a permanent solution for the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars in its 2019 national manifesto and the 2021 West Bengal state manifesto. The BJP has a proven track record of delivering on the commitments outlined in its manifesto. The appointment of the interlocutor is part of fulfilling that promise,” Bista said.
The Darjeeling MP recalled that he had publicly urged Thapa during his Republic Day address to meet the Interlocutor and place his views before the Centre. “Let the people know what he truly thinks about our collective aspirations. Is he afraid of Kolkata? Is he afraid of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee? Why is he refusing to meet the interlocutor? Whose interests are served when he avoids engagement with the representative of the Central government?” he asked.
Bista further claimed that Thapa’s hesitation stemmed from political insecurity. “He appears rattled, perhaps realising that his position as GTA Chief is secure only as long as the TMC remains in power in Kolkata. Given the prevailing public sentiment across the state, the TMC is steadily losing ground. His anxiety is clearly visible,” he added.
The issue has once again brought the future of the GTA and the demand for a permanent political solution in the hills into sharp focus, as political activity intensifies in the region ahead of the Assembly polls.