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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will begin a crucial three-day visit to Darjeeling on Monday, with a packed schedule aimed at addressing political, cultural, and administrative matters in the region. The Chief Minister will leave her residence in Kolkata around noon and travel via Bagdogra Airport, then proceed to Siliguri before heading to Darjeeling. Her visit is seen as strategically timed ahead of the upcoming by-elections, with a focus on key issues affecting the state’s northern districts.
A major aspect of the visit will be the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) meeting, scheduled for November 12. The GTA, which has been dissolved, has been the subject of political discussions and speculation regarding its potential reformation. The meeting, which will be chaired by CM Mamata Banerjee, aims to address the future of the GTA, governance issues in the Darjeeling hills, and the ongoing concerns of the local communities. The dissolution of the GTA has raised questions about the political and administrative structure in the region, and CM Banerjee’s leadership in calling this meeting is seen as a significant move to restore clarity and direction.
On November 13, the Chief Minister will inaugurate the Saris Fair in Darjeeling, an important event that showcases the region's handicrafts, textiles, and local businesses. The fair is expected to boost local commerce and attract tourists and traders. During her visit, Mamata Banerjee is also scheduled to visit tea gardens in Darjeeling, where she will meet with workers and assess their working conditions. The Chief Minister is expected to review welfare programs aimed at improving the livelihood of tea workers and the overall industry, which plays a significant role in the region’s economy. She will likely evaluate state government initiatives, including those related to healthcare, housing, and social welfare for tea laborers.
In addition to these events, CM Banerjee will be accompanied by several key leaders from North Bengal, including Arup Biswas (Minister for Public Works), Udayan Guha (Minister for Forest), Pradip Majumdar (Minister for Animal Resources), and Indranil Sen (Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs). The delegation will participate in various official engagements, meetings, and public events throughout the tour. The Chief Minister’s visit will conclude on November 14, after which she will return to Kolkata. On November 15, she will participate in the state-level celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Rajarhat. The celebrations are planned to be held in all districts from November 15 to 21, with a series of events focusing on Munda’s contributions to the independence movement and his advocacy for tribal rights.