Demand for Gorkhaland, Mamata Banerjee and Modi - a perspective

The Modi government, having secured an absolute majority, will not need the TMC’s support to form Gorkhaland. 

The Darjeeling Hills pose serious challenges to the TMC government. There is a strong demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland. Mamata Banerjee formed the autonomous Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), so residents could manage their own affairs. However, the demand for Gorkhaland has gained impetus after the creation of Telanagna from the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Demand for Gorkhaland, Mamata Banerjee and Modi - a perspective

The BJP secured its victory from Darjeeling in the general elections. Pro-Gorkhaland leaders such as Bimal Gurung, the president of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), see an opportunity to persuade Modi to form Gorkhaland. The BJP promised to consider the issue during the prime minister’s election campaign. The UPA, despite internal opposition, created Telangana and Seemandhra. The Modi government, having secured an absolute majority, will not need the TMC’s support to form Gorkhaland. Therefore, the possibility of Darjeeling being taken away from West Bengal is high — Banerjee’s opposition notwithstanding. She cannot afford to lose Darjeeling for economic reasons. Banerjee and the TMC’s image will take a beating if Darjeeling is split from West Bengal. The Indian public might blame Banerjee and her stance toward Modi. If she tries to ease tensions, the creation of Gorkhaland might be put on the backburner for the time being.

Although the prime minister praised Banerjee for her achievement in developing West Bengal, her continued anti-Modi approach will create more difficulties for her and the state. The previous government left office with a huge debt of over $330 million. Banerjee must address the debt repayment problem, but she is distancing herself from the central government. She has little choice but to work out her issues with New Delhi in order to improve West Bengal.

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