Dialogue Process for Darjeeling Hills Gains Momentum as Centre and State Hold Key Meeting at Nabanna

KalimNews | May 4, 2026 | Kolkata :  A significant step towards addressing the long-standing political aspirations of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions was taken on Thursday as Darjeeling MP Raju Bista attended a high-level meeting at Nabanna in Kolkata. The meeting marked the first formal interaction between the Government of West Bengal and Pankaj Kumar Singh, the representative and interlocutor appointed by the Government of India to facilitate discussions on a permanent political solution for the region.

The meeting was chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and is being viewed as an important milestone in advancing the dialogue process aimed at finding a constitutional and democratic resolution to the issues concerning the region.

Following the meeting, Bista described the discussions as a major breakthrough that could help accelerate efforts toward achieving a lasting constitutional solution for the people of the Darjeeling hills, the Terai, and the Dooars. He noted that the Government of India had appointed an interlocutor specifically to move the dialogue process forward and engage all stakeholders in meaningful discussions.

Bista observed that earlier attempts to advance talks had encountered difficulties because of what he characterized as a lack of cooperation from the previous state administration under the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, which, according to him, had been reluctant to actively participate in the dialogue process.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reportedly assured full cooperation from the State Government in facilitating discussions and working constructively towards an early constitutional settlement. The assurance is expected to help expedite the dialogue process and encourage all stakeholders to participate in a spirit of unity and cooperation.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the meeting, Bista said the discussions reflected a renewed commitment by both the Central and State Governments to address the concerns and aspirations of the region through democratic and constitutional means. He expressed confidence that the dialogue process would now move forward more swiftly, with all stakeholders working together to chart a constructive path for the future.

On behalf of the people of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars, Bista conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Government of India, and the Government of West Bengal for according the issue a high level of importance and attention.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chief Minister’s Advisor Dr. Subrata Gupta, the Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, and the Director General of Police of West Bengal.