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 Bhattacharjee would talk to any GJM representative.
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