What Amit Shah's 'permanent political solution' could mean for Darjeeling hills
What Amit Shahs permanent political solution could mean for Darjeeling hills
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on a Friday: 6 best places to celebrate Rakhi with siblings this year
Raksha Bandhan 2026 falls on a Friday, giving siblings across India a rare three-day window to travel together. From Udaipur's monsoon lakes and Coorg's coffee estates to Rishikesh's river and Darjeeling's peaks, these six destinations offer something different for every kind of brother and sister duo.
Centres committee on permanent political solution for Gorkha issue | Explained
The people of Darjeeling hills have been demanding a separate State of Gorkhaland, to be carved out territories of Darjeeling hills and parts of Terai and Dooars for the past several decades.
Bengal CM Adhikari to attend GJM
Kolkata, Aug 23 (IANS) Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend the foundation day ceremony of Bimal Gurung-founded Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which has long been spearheading the movement for a permanent political solution for the hills scattered over Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong in the northern sector of West Bengal. Announcing this on Sunday, Gurung, the []
Hotel Owner Arrested In Kolkata Fire That Killed 9, Including 7 Bangladeshis
Of the nine persons killed in the hotel fire, seven were Bangladeshi residents, one was from Jharkhand and one from Siliguri in Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
MHA panel formed to draft final agreement on Darjeeling hill issue: MP Raju Bista
The Centre has constituted a committee to draft the final agreement on the Gorkha issue, BJP MP Raju Bista said on Saturday, after a key meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders and the West Bengal government. The meeting aimed to find a roadmap for a permanent political solution to the long-standing issues of the hill people. The meeting, held at a hotel in Sukna in the Darjeeling foothills on the third and final day of Shahs north Bengal visit, was attended by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and leaders of various political parties of the hills and other stakeholders of the region. A committee under the Ministry of Home Affairs has been formed under the leadership of interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh. It will work to finalise the drafting of todays agreement, Bista said. In October, 2025, the MHA appointed retired IPS officer and former deputy national security advisor Pankaj Kumar Singh as the official government interlocutor for the issue. His role focuses on leading political dialogue and addressing long-standing demands of the Gorkha community. Bista, the Darjeeling MP, said that Saturdays meeting was held on a historic day since it coincided with the date of signing of the Gorkha accord in 1988. The accord, signed between the Centre, the West Bengal government and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), had led to the creation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) following a violent agitation for a separate state of Gorkhaland. The history of struggle of the hill communities spans over four decades during which the previous Left and TMC government trampled over the aspirations of the hill people. The sacrifice made by our people involves nearly 2,000 people who were martyred, over 5,000 people displaced and women tortured and raped, he alleged. Bista said that while representatives of the various communities put forth their concerns and expectations at the meeting, Adhikari also spoke on how he intends to address the issues of the hill people. After hearing out all stakeholders, Shah summed up the meeting by elucidating how a permanent solution to the issue would be reached in the days ahead, the MP said. The meeting was expected to address the agenda of finding a permanent political solution to the long-standing issues of Darjeeling hills within the ambit of constitutional framework, in lines with the BJPs pre-poll promise for the affairs of Darjeeling hills. Besides Adhikari, also present at the meeting were Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung, and the partys senior leader Roshan Giri, GNLF chief Mann Ghisingh, several state ministers and BJP MLAs from the hills, besides senior officials of the state government. Attempts made by previous state governments to address the issue through arrangements such as the establishment of the DGHC and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) have, arguably, failed to secure long-term peace, economic prosperity and political stability in the region.
Govt forms panel for 'permanent solution' to Gorkha issue
The Centre has established a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a 'permanent political solution' to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, following a tripartite meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders, and the West Bengal government.
Centre forms panel to finalise 'permanent political solution' for Gorkhas
The Centre on Saturday constituted a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a permanent political solution to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and its adjacent areas, officials said after a key tripartite meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders and the West Bengal government. The meeting aimed to find a roadmap for the BJP-promised permanent political solution to the long-standing issues and demands of the hill people and their recognition under the ambit of the Constitution. All issues relating to the hill population of West Bengal were discussed in detail. Their demands pertaining to a distinct identity, a permanent political solution and recognition under the Constitution of India were taken up. The Union home minister promised a permanent political solution soon under the umbrella of the Constitution, a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said. To finalise modalities, it was decided to form a .
Amit Shah Vows Permanent Political Settlement For Bengal's Darjeeling Hills
Issues related to the problems of the hill community, their demand for a distinct identity, constitutional status and political solution were discussed in detail during the meeting.
Amit Shah meets hill leaders to discuss 'permanent political solution' for Darjeeling
The meeting is expected to focus on the BJP's pre-poll promise of a permanent political solution for the Gorkha community and other residents of the hills who have, for decades, demanded a separate Gorkhaland State
Amit Shah to Hold Meeting on Border Security, Darjeeling Issues
Sources said Shah will review border security, with a focus on coordination among the BSF, SSB, intelligence agencies and the state administration
Amit Shah likely to hold meetings on hill issues, border security in Siliguri on Saturday
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold key meetings in Siliguri on Saturday. He will review border security arrangements and discuss the Siliguri Corridor's strategic importance. Shah is also expected to meet Darjeeling leaders regarding long-pending political issues. The discussions will focus on a permanent political solution for the region. These engagements follow his previous day's review of security infrastructure.
Vande Mataram never embraced wholeheartedly by Opposition after Independence: Amit Shah
New Delhi, Aug 21: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal, and interacted with the personnel. On the occasion, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Mahesh Dixit, Secretary, Border Management, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, and SSB Director General Sanjay Singhal, among several other senior officers, were present. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the occasion of the country's 80th Independence Day on August 15th was very special. He said that, for the first time, after completing 150 years since the composition of the national song Vande Mataram and 80 years of the countrys independence, the entire rendition of Vande Mataram was heard by the people of the country and the entire world from the ramparts of the Red Fort. He said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyays immortal composition Vande Mataram not only gave momentum to our freedom movement but also gave it a vision of what independent India should be like. Shah said that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyays composition made it clear that independent India must move forward by embracing cultural nationalism. Union Home Minister said that even after the country was partitioned at the time of Independence, Vande Mataram was never wholeheartedly accepted by the main opposition party. Keeping public sentiments in mind, Vande Mataram was sung in the Parliament and everyone would stand, but it was saddening to see that the entire song was not sung. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs recently got a Bill passed by the Parliament and decided to make the complete rendition of Vande Mataram a part of government programmes, which is a historic step. This will ensure that future generations, including our children and youth, receive the immortal message of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Ji. He said that if the complete Vande Mataram is sung every day in schools, children will certainly be imbued with a strong sense of patriotism. Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the Saptadharathe seven streams of strength that will empower the nation. He said that the Prime Minister has called upon the youth of the country to connect with seven key streamsmanufacturing power, defence strength, agriculture and food processing, green and blue economy, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti (Infrastructure), and Indias soft powerand participate in nation-building. He added that Prime Minister Modi has also set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 and launching eight new semiconductor plants over the next three years. He said that, on the strength of these seven streams, when India celebrates the centenary of its Independence, the country will be at the forefront in every field across the world. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the previous Chief Minister of West Bengal never attended the programmes of SSB and BSF. He said that SSB, BSF and ITBP are not agencies of any political party or government, but forces that protect the borders, and all political parties should stand with these personnel. Shah said that preventing infiltration and securing West Bengal and the country is our resolve, and fencing is the strongest measure for this. Praising West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, he said that ever since he assumed office, the Centre has received immediate and all possible cooperation from the state government for border security. Shah said that within just 45 days of the formation of the government in West Bengal, the Government of India received 1,139 acres of land for the BSF and SSB. He said that these were parcels of land that the Government of India had been seeking since 2014, but the previous government in Bengal had not provided them. He said that the people of West Bengal have elected a government that gives priority to national security. Amit Shah said that the foundation stone for the administrative building of SSBs Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri was laid today, which will be constructed over 80 acres. He informed that the foundation stone for the 19th Battalion in Thakurganj, the e-foundation stone for the 12th Battalion in Kishanganj, and the foundation stone for the Transit Camp at New Jalpaiguri were also laid today. Shah said that new projects worth a total of 189 crore have been initiated here today to provide administrative and residential facilities for SSB personnel. He further said that ever since he became the Home Minister, the requirements of the security forceswhether the SSB, BSF or Assam Rifleshave remained among the topmost priorities on the agenda of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that the SSB has a glorious history. From 1965 onwards, the SSB expanded its presence to Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and Tripura, Meghalaya in 1975, Sikkim in 1976, Rajasthan and Gujarat in 1985, and Nagaland, Mizoram and South Bengal in 1989. He said that wherever the SSB was deployed, its personnel performed commendably and worked tirelessly, day and night, to ensure security. He said that after the Kargil War, when the One Border, One Force policy was adopted, the SSB was entrusted with the most challenging task of guarding the open borders with friendly neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan. Since 2001, the SSB has been deployed along the 1,751-kilometre-long India-Nepal border and, since 2004, along nearly 700 kilometres of the India-Bhutan border. He said that when a border is fenced, the responsibility of the force guarding it becomes somewhat easier. However, the SSB is tasked with monitoring unfenced borders, which is the most challenging assignment. He said that he often states that the personnel of the SSB have one of the most difficult responsibilities because they are deployed along open borders. Shah said that the entire country respects the SSB personnel for their coordination, dedication to safeguarding the nation, and contribution towards strengthening Indias cultural ties with both friendly neighbouring countries. Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has fully recognised the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor from the perspective of national security. He said that this highly sensitive and strategically important corridor connects eight states. Three international borderswith Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladeshadjoin the Siliguri Corridor, and its security is intrinsically linked to the security of the nation. Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has strengthened national security by securing the Siliguri Corridor through a triangular grid. He said that in this densely populated corridor, the government has increased its awareness, presence and dominance. He added that the security forces have participated in various operations and exercises from time to time, but one gap remained. He said that to fully strengthen and secure the Siliguri Corridor, agencies of the Government of India required 560 acres of land, which the previous government in West Bengal had not provided. He said that the Government of India commends West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for granting in-principle approval for the allocation of 560 acres of land. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah said that security forces alone cannot ensure the security of any region. He said that increasing population, migration and tourism in an area helps strengthen our presence there. He said that the Delhi-Siliguri corridor is also included among the 7 high-speed rail corridors approved in the 2026-27 Budget, which will enable travel from Delhi to Siliguri in just a few hours within 2-3 years. He said that we have transformed the Siliguri and Jalpaiguri stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme. Amit Shah said that through the Vibrant Villages Programme, we are not only connecting villages but also working to establish a strong emotional connect with the Indians living in these villages. He said that the scheme, with an expenditure of 6,839 crore, is of great significance for the Bangladesh and Bhutan borders. He said that the government will take forward its concept of safe, secure and vibrant land borders. He added that 190 crore has been invested here today to improve the facilities for our personnel and strengthen the countrys defence capabilities. This will provide comfort to the minds, bodies and spirits of the personnel and give them a better working environment. During his address Home Minister paid tribute to renowned Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh on their death anniversaries. He said that Ustad Bismillah Khan played a significant role in taking Indian music to the global stage. He promoted ragas and raginis and worked to popularise Indias rich tradition of classical music. Speaking about former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, the Home Minister said that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he made efforts to undertake the administrative reorganisation of the state for the first time and made a significant contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
Kolkata Fire Tragedy Claims Nine Lives, Including Seven Bangladeshis
Kolkata, August 20: The Kolkata police have identified the nine victims who lost their lives in a hotel fire on Mirza Ghalib Lane in central Kolkata on Thursday. Among the deceased, seven are Bangladeshi nationals, while two are Indian citizensone from Giridih district in Jharkhand and the other from Darjeeling district in North Bengal. The ... Read more Kolkata Fire Tragedy Claims Nine Lives, Including Seven Bangladeshis
Landslides on busy road in Darjeeling district stall traffic movement in Bengal hill areas; more rains predicted Kolkata: Although the weather improved in north Bengal, heavy landslides occurred on a busy road in Darjeeling district, causing great inconvenience to the people. On Monday morning, a heavy landslide occurred on the important hill road from Jorebungalow [] The post Landslides on busy road in Darjeeling district stall traffic movement in Bengal hill areas; more rains predicted appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
The India Meteorological Department issued a fresh weather alert for the nation. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in eleven states including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Coastal districts of West Bengal will receive heavy showers until June twenty-fourth. Northern districts of West Bengal could experience heavy downpour from July twenty-sixth to twenty-ninth. Light to moderate rain is forecast for sub-Himalayan districts over the next few days.
Darjeeling toy train accident goes viral after taxi driver claims train was on 'wrong side'
A taxi driver argued with a toy train pilot after a minor collision occurred. The driver claimed the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was on the wrong side of the tracks. Authorities found the vehicle was parked illegally and negligently near the railway line. The taxi was seized and a case was registered against the driver. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway continues to celebrate its heritage and tourism growth.
7 places in India that feel like Europe during monsoon
India has places that look and feel startlingly European when the monsoon arrives. From Coorg's misty coffee estates to Darjeeling's fog-drenched colonial streets and Spiti's cliff monasteries, these seven destinations offer rolling green hills, cool air and dramatic skies. No passport, no long flight, and no currency exchange needed.
Darjeeling tea industry seeks Centre's support amid deepening financial stress
Darjeeling's famed tea industry is facing severe financial strain due to aging bushes, climate woes, and labor shortages, leading to a significant production drop and falling prices. Industry leaders are urging the government for targeted interventions, including a sustainable pricing framework with a Minimum Sustainable Price, and the extension of agricultural and welfare schemes to bolster the sector's long-term viability and resilience.
Guardians of Indigenous Medicine: Tribal Ethnomedicinal Practices of North-East India
Saikat Kumar Basu & Suparna Sanyal Mukherjee The North-East Indian region, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, represents one of South Asias richest biocultural landscapes. Biologically and anthropologically linked to the Darjeeling Himalayas of West Bengal, the region is characterised by dense forests, high rainfall, varied altitudes, and exceptional biodiversity. []
Anit Thapa resigns as Chief Executive of GTA
The resignation of Anit Thapa, who was an ally of Trinamool Congress comes a day after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Darjeeling hills and raised the issue of corruption in the GTA. After the BJP came to power in West Bengal in May 2026, chairperson of several civic bodies including Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation had resigned.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari unveils North Bengal roadmap on first Darjeeling hills visit
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for North Bengal. He assured residents of the Darjeeling hills that all central government welfare and development schemes will be delivered effectively. Adhikari stated his government's commitment to transparency in recruitment and inclusive growth across the region. Infrastructure, jobs, and public services will be strengthened.
Monsoon Likely To Enter North Bengal In Three-Four Days: IMD
KOLKATA, Jun 8: The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in West Bengals sub-Himalayan districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri within the next three to four days. The northern districts of the state are already experiencing pre-monsoon rain with heavy downpour predicted over the next few days. The conditions are favourable for advancement of southwest monsoon into some parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal within the next three to four days, missing the normal entry date [] The post Monsoon Likely To Enter North Bengal In Three-Four Days: IMD appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Four rescued after car plunges into Teesta River near Sevoke; four dead
NDRF Siliguri teams have successfully rescued four individuals from the Teesta River. The car plunged into the water near Sevoke and Kurseong in Darjeeling district. Among those rescued was a seven-year-old girl. The rescued persons were in critical condition. The incident occurred on Friday, with rescue operations commencing immediately. Further details are awaited regarding the accident and the victims.
West Bengal CM meets Darjeeling hill leaders, acts tough on GTA corruption
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the West Bengal government will seek benefits Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana (PMCSPY) which the previous government did not subscribe to.
From water temperature and brewing time to why milk should never enter the cup, a senior steward at Kolkatas iconic tearoom walks us through the delicate ritual of preparing Darjeeling tea in a city otherwise devoted to strong roadside chai.
West Bengal Chief Minister Announces Investigation into GTA Corruption
Kolkata, May 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday that an investigation into alleged corruption within the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) will commence. The GTA is an autonomous body that manages civil affairs in the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in North Bengal. The announcement was made during an administrative ... Read more West Bengal Chief Minister Announces Investigation into GTA Corruption
Northern Bengal Voters Show Continued Trust in BJP, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Kolkata, May 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on Wednesday that voters in Northern Bengal have consistently shown their trust in the BJP since 2019. During a visit to Siliguri in Darjeeling district, the Chief Minister chaired an administrative meeting concerning eight districts in Northern Bengal. Speaking to the media before the meeting, ... Read more Northern Bengal Voters Show Continued Trust in BJP, Says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Kolkata swelters as Meteorological department forecasts heavy rain in North Bengal
Heavy downpour is likely over the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar from May 21 to 25
Celebrating Himalayan Heritage: DHR Literature Festival 2026 Launched
Guwahati, May 20: The Northeast Frontier Railway successfully hosted the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Literature Festival 2026 to celebrate the industrial heritage of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the rich oral and literary traditions of the Himalayan region. Officials announced this on Tuesday. The four-day festival, held from May 15 to ... Read more Celebrating Himalayan Heritage: DHR Literature Festival 2026 Launched
Bengal Polls: BJP Leading In 8 Seats, TMC In 2; BGPM Ahead In Kalimpong
KOLKATA, May 4: The BJP was leading in eight assembly constituencies while the TMC was ahead in two, according to early trends available on the Election Commission website, as counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections was underway on Monday. The Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), an ally of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the Darjeeling hills, was leading in Kalimpong. As per EC data, BJP candidate Lakshmi Kanta Sau was leading in Jhargram with 5,156 votes, ahead [] The post Bengal Polls: BJP Leading In 8 Seats, TMC In 2; BGPM Ahead In Kalimpong appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Siliguri Election Results 2026 News: Siliguri, a vital commercial hub in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, held its Assembly elections on April 23, 2026. The constituency, encompassing Siliguri city and its suburbs, saw a voter turnout of 77% in 2021, with Sankar Ghosh of the BJP defeating Omprakash Mishra. In 2016, Asok Bhattacharya of the CPI(M) won with an 81% turnout.
More Indians need to become tea-totallers
A Kolkata tea seller showcases a rare Darjeeling tea. This highlights the unique qualities of Darjeeling tea, often overlooked. Like Champagne, Darjeeling tea faces climate change and competition. More Indians should appreciate this heritage beverage. Better marketing is needed to elevate Darjeeling tea's global standing.
BJP Leader Raju Bista Predicts 170-180 Seats in West Bengal Elections
Gangtok, April 26: Raju Bista, the Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling and a prominent BJP leader, expressed confidence on Saturday that the party could secure between 170 to 180 seats in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. He attributed this optimism to a significant shift in voter sentiment. Bista made these remarks while reviewing preparations ... Read more BJP Leader Raju Bista Predicts 170-180 Seats in West Bengal Elections
