Mamata Banerjee revived Gorkha Territorial Administration with Binay Tamang as chairman

On 21^st September, post discussions between West Bengal government and Darjeeling hill parties to resolve ongoing shutdowns in the hills, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee revived the Gorkha Territorial Administration (“GTA”) and appointed rebel Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Binay Tamang as chairperson.

“We cannot let the GTA idle for a long time. Development work needs to be taken up and we don’t want to stall development in the hills,” Mamata Banerjee said.

“The new board will undertake development works in the hills from now onwards. It has been formed with representatives from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik. They will work till a fresh election is held. The moment is not right to conduct an election in the GTA but as soon as the situation is right, we will do it,” Mamata Banerjee added.

The move followed after Tamang and Rai met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata to discuss bringing back normal life in the hills which was undergoing a self-imposed blockade since June 10 earlier this year.