The proposed Gorkhaland Autonomous Authority (GAA) seems to have hit a legal hurdle with the government putting its foot down firmly that no leeway will be given for unconstitutional demands.
Despite West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s keenness to resolve the Gorkhaland dispute quickly, the home ministry has told the state government to first thrash out the agreement with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) which includes the setting up of a new autonomous body for Gorkhaland.
“It may take some time as the GJM is not only stuck to its demand on the inclusion of certain regions, it is also reiterating its demand for statehood. The tripartite agreement with the Centre can only happen once the state government and GJM reach a meeting point finally,” a government official said. The home ministry may soon proceed for a legal opinion on the issue.
The existing Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council comprises only three subdivisions in Darjeeling, against the demand to include many other areas such as Mal, Matiali, Nagrakata, Phansidewa and Birpara, that come under the Dooars, in the proposed GAA. The divesting of certain legislative powers to the GAA is another contentious issue. A government official said that none of the bodies such as the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council have such wide-ranging powers which are being proposed by the GJM. The agreement includes holding direct elections to the proposed Gorkhaland Autonomous Authority and vesting it with certain legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers.