Kolkata: West Bengal Municipal Affairs
Minister Asok Bhattacharya and Health Minister Surjya Kanta
Mishra will represent the state government at February 18
political-level tripartite talks with Grokha Janmukti Morcha
(GJM) on the Darjeeling issue.
"West Bengal government would be represented by Asok
Bhattacharya and Surjya Kanta Mishra," state Chief Secretary
Ashok Mohan Chakraborty told newsmen, adding that state Home
Secretary Ardhendu Sen would also be present at the meeting to
assist the two ministers.
Asked about GJM chief Bimal Gurung's reported opposition
to the presence of Bhattacharya at the meeting, the Chief
Secretary said it was the prerogative of Chief Minister
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to decide who will represent the state
government.
GJM general secretary Roshan Giri declined to comment
immediately on Bhattacharya's inclusion, saying "We will see
and comment tomorrow."
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had announced on March
2 that the political level tripartite talks would be held on
March 18.
A day later, GJM announced withdrawal of the ongoing
hunger strike to create an atmosphere for talks.
PTI
First Published: Monday, March 08, 2010, 22:17