E-Paper
Mamata invites Shinde to Darjeeling
Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and UPA’s maverick ally Mamata Banerjee lost no time on Thursday to improve relations between the Centre and Trinamool that have often run into rough weather. Saubhadra Chatterji reports.
Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and UPA’s maverick ally Mamata Banerjee lost no time on Thursday to improve relations between the Centre and Trinamool that have often run into rough weather.
The West Bengal CM called the home minister on Wednesday requesting him to attend the swearing-in of the newly elected Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in the politically sensitive Darjeeling on Saturday. Shinde promptly cancelled his prior engagements to reach Banerjee’s state on Friday.
Banerjee’s relation with Shinde’s predecessor, P Chidambaram, had its share of chill over recent issues such as National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and security operations against Maoists in the Jangalmahal area.
The CM, who recently signaled thaw with the UPA by deciding to support Pranab Mukherjee’s presidential candidature, called Shinde after the Bimal Gurung-led Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) swept the GTA polls in all 45 seats.
When Banerjee requested Shinde to come to Darjeeling for Saturday’s function, the home minister cited his prior engagements in his constituency and wanted his deputy to go. Banerjee reportedly said Darjeeling is a sensitive issue and former home minister Chidambaram had already promised to come for the function.
On Thursday, Shinde cancelled all his programmes in Maharashtra and informed Banerjee that he would reach Darjeeling on Friday. Congress managers feel Shinde’s gesture would help in improving UPA-Trinamool ties.
After a long spell of unrest, that often turned violent, the GTA elections could be held this time.
While the Centre is always keen to see peace and stability in the geo-politically sensitive Darjeeling area, Banerjee also projects the Darjeeling truce as a major achievement of her administrative skills.
Trinamool had strategically withdrawn its candidates against Gurung’s GJM to reduce tension in the elections.
Stay updated with all top Cities including, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and more across India. Stay informed on the latest happenings in World News along with Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Election Result 2025 Live, New Delhi Election Result Live, Kalkaji Election Result Live at Hindustan Times.
