WB won't discuss statehood demand with GJM

On the eve of the crucial meeting with the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha in Kolkata, the West Bengal government on Thursday ruled out any discussion with it on its separate statehood demand.

"There will be no discussion with the morcha on the statehood demand, but talks can be held on administrative arrangements and greater autonomy (for Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council)," Chief Secretary A K Deb told reporters at Writers' Buildings.

Deb said in the absence of Morcha president Bimal Gurung, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya would talk to any GJM representative.

The chief secretary said, "Stateheood demand cannot be accepted. Instead, we can discuss, if GJM wants, administrative rearrangements and even extending greater autonomy (to the DGHC). Everything depends on what they want."

The chief secretary's assertion of not accepting the demand for a separate Gorkhaland in the talks, is being construed as a pre-condition for talks with the GJM.

Bhattacharya a few days ago had said that the state government was ready for talks with the GJM without precondition.