GTA Crisis Deepens as 20 Elected Sabhasads Unite, Demand Accountability and Constitutional Resolution

KalimNews, June 23, 2026, Darjeeling: A significant political development unfolded in the Darjeeling Hills on Tuesday as 20 elected Sabhasads of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), cutting across party affiliations, came together to discuss the growing administrative and constitutional crisis that has engulfed the autonomous hill body following a wave of resignations by senior leaders.

The meeting, attended by prominent elected representatives including Binoy Tamang, Ajoy Edwards, Lakpa Namgyal Bhutia, Uday Dewan, Rajesh Chauhan, Milesh Rai, Nuri Sherpa, Bikash Rai, Dawa Tenji Sherpa, Kumar Sharma, Kamal Subba, Pirey Rai, Dhendup Pakhrin, Sinora Namchu, Jiten Rai, Pratim Subba, Robert Chhetri, Rubendas Pradhan, Sunny Tamang and Suman Gurung, focused on the current political situation in the Darjeeling Hills and the uncertain future of the GTA.

According to a statement issued after the meeting, five additional Sabhasads who could not attend in person conveyed their complete support and solidarity with the resolutions adopted during the discussions, effectively bringing the strength of the emerging bloc to 25 members.

The development comes in the wake of the resignation announced by GTA Chief Executive and Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) president Anit Thapa, followed by the resignations of several other Sabhasads, including the Deputy Chief Executive and the Chairman of the GTA Sabha. Altogether, 16 of the 43 elected GTA Sabhasads have announced their resignation, triggering widespread uncertainty regarding the administration of the hill body.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the lack of clarity surrounding the constitutional process governing these resignations. Questions remain over whether the resignations have been formally accepted, as they are required to be submitted to and processed through the office of the Chief Executive. With both the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive stepping down, confusion continues over the legal and administrative validity of the resignations.

Political observers believe the emergence of this new bloc marks a major turning point in hill politics and could reshape the future course of governance in the Darjeeling Hills.

During the meeting, the elected representatives reiterated their commitment to democratic principles and public welfare. The Sabhasads emphasized that the interests and aspirations of the people must remain at the center of all decisions taken during the ongoing crisis.

The group held extensive discussions on possible solutions to the constitutional and administrative deadlock and adopted several important resolutions. Among the key decisions was the pursuit of all available legal and constitutional avenues to resolve the crisis. The Sabhasads also resolved to consult legal experts to obtain clarity on the prevailing situation and formulate a roadmap for future action.

Furthermore, the group decided to submit formal representations to various constitutional and administrative authorities, including the Governor of West Bengal, the Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, the Home and Hill Affairs Department, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, the Principal Secretary of the GTA, the District Magistrate, and the Superintendent of Police.

The meeting stressed that resolving the current crisis is essential to protect the welfare, rights, and democratic interests of the people of the Darjeeling Hills. The members agreed that any future framework proposed by the Government of West Bengal should strictly follow democratic principles, the provisions of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act, 2012, and all applicable statutory procedures.

One of the most notable voices at the meeting was Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) chief convener Ajoy Edwards, who categorically rejected speculation that the group intended to take control of the GTA or occupy leadership positions left vacant by recent resignations.

Edwards asserted that the objective of the elected representatives was not to seize power but to ensure that the concerns of the people were formally recorded and addressed through constitutional means. He emphasized that the group would respect any lawful and constitutional decision taken by the Government of West Bengal in consultation with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista and the Chief Minister.

At the same time, Edwards outlined three major demands that he believes should guide the future course of action.

First, he called for the GTA Sabha to formally acknowledge that the existing GTA structure has failed to meet the aspirations of the people and to seek a stronger constitutional and political arrangement for the region.

Second, he demanded an impartial and transparent investigation into allegations of corruption, financial irregularities, and misuse of public funds from the inception of the GTA to the present day. According to Edwards, resignations should not shield anyone from accountability, and public money must be properly accounted for.

Third, he insisted that all elected and nominated members of the GTA should be recognized as stakeholders in any future political settlement and in any inquiry into alleged financial misconduct.

Edwards maintained that the group possesses sufficient numerical strength within the GTA to ensure that these demands are officially raised and debated within the institution. He argued that remaining within the GTA at this stage is necessary to protect public interests and ensure accountability.

According to him, the group's presence in the GTA is driven not by political ambition but by a commitment to representing the voice of the people, demanding transparency in the use of public funds, and working toward a stronger constitutional arrangement for the Darjeeling Hills after the present crisis is resolved.

As uncertainty continues to surround the future of the GTA, Tuesday's meeting has signaled the emergence of a new political alignment in the hills. The resolutions adopted by the bloc and the legal steps being considered are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of political developments in the region. With constitutional questions still unresolved and public attention focused on the future of hill governance, the coming weeks are likely to be decisive for both the GTA and the broader political landscape of Darjeeling.