Raju Bista MP, Highlights Home Ministry Reply: Interlocutor to Prepare Gorkha Roadmap

KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 25, 2026 : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista addressed recent concerns regarding the appointment of a Central interlocutor for Gorkha issues, highlighting that some individuals and political leaders with “vested interests” and “anti-region agendas” had been questioning both the interlocutor’s appointment and the mandate given.

Bista emphasized that the Union Home Ministry had clarified the reasons for the appointment in Lok Sabha, making the situation transparent and countering any false narratives. “The truth has prevailed, in line with our national motto, Satyamev Jayate,” he said. “No force on Earth can prevent the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars from achieving their rights, justice, and recognition.”

On Wednesday, Bista welcomed the Home Ministry’s clarification regarding the interlocutor’s appointment and its purpose. He noted that the Ministry’s response addressed doubts raised by certain groups and leaders.

Referring to the reply given by the Home Ministry to a question raised by Trinamool Congress MP Bapi Haldar, Bista highlighted the key points: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed after a tripartite agreement signed in July 2011 between the Centre, the West Bengal government, and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. In July 2017, all elected members of the GTA resigned, leaving the body without elected representation. Repeated requests for dialogue from Gorkha leaders led the Centre to organize three tripartite meetings on October 7, 2020; October 12, 2021; and April 3, 2025. The West Bengal government did not participate in two of these meetings and lacked substantial representation in one.

Following these developments, the Centre appointed an interlocutor to hold discussions with stakeholders, including Gorkha organizations, regarding issues in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars.

Bista explained that the interlocutor has been appointed for one year with clear terms of reference:

Engage in constructive dialogue with various stakeholders, including Gorkha organizations, to address issues and propose solutions.

Consult other groups in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars regions to gather comprehensive perspectives.

Recommend measures for socio-economic development, cultural recognition, and preservation of Gorkha heritage within the constitutional framework.

Prepare a roadmap for long-term resolution of Gorkha issues.

Bista stressed that this clarification exposes the “false narratives” circulated by some groups and reaffirmed that the people of Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars cannot be denied their rights, justice, or due recognition.

During Lok Sabha proceedings on March 24, 2026, Shri Bapi Haldar asked: Whether the appointment of a Central interlocutor to pursue a “permanent political solution” for Gorkha issues was made without prior consultation with the Government of West Bengal, and if so, the reasons.

How this appointment aligns with the 2011 Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement and the GTA Act, 2011. 

The interlocutor’s terms of reference, timeline, and disclosure plan.

Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, responded: After the 2011 tripartite agreement, the GTA was formed. By July 2017, all elected members had resigned.  Due to the absence of elected members and repeated requests for dialogue, three tripartite meetings were convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 7, 2020; October 12, 2021; and April 3, 2025. The West Bengal government was absent in two meetings and minimally represented in one. Consequently, the Government of India appointed an interlocutor to hold constructive dialogue with stakeholders, including Gorkha organizations. The interlocutor’s one-year mandate includes engaging stakeholders, proposing solutions, consulting groups, and recommending steps for socio-economic upliftment, cultural recognition, and preservation of Gorkha heritage within the constitutional framework.

Bista concluded that this detailed clarification ensures transparency and reinforces the rights of the Gorkha community in Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars.