Darjeeling’s long-standing political crisis is once again in the spotlight as Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to hold a high-level meeting with the BJP’s elected representatives and key leaders from the hills on Saturday. The meeting is expected to focus on finding a permanent political solution to the Darjeeling hills issue.
The demand for a separate Gorkhaland state has remained a major political issue in the region for decades. While previous governments introduced arrangements such as the DGHC and GTA to address the concerns of the hill population, the BJP had promised a “permanent political solution” during the 2026 Assembly election.
The hill representatives are expected to raise several demands before Shah, including a permanent political settlement, formation of the GTA board, elections to municipalities and panchayats, transparent recruitment of teachers and employment opportunities for local youth.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Darjeeling MLA Noman Rai, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri are expected to attend the meeting. Minister of State for Finance and Transport Anandamay Barman may also be present.
The meeting will reportedly take place at the hotel in Sukna where Shah is staying. Rai said the delegation would seek an early political solution along with development initiatives and transparent recruitment.
Bista said the BJP would work to end divisions created during previous governments and fulfil its promise of a permanent solution.
The meeting has generated fresh optimism across the hills.
