Thapa stated that he would have considered meeting the interlocutor only if he had arrived with a concrete announcement on Gorkhaland. He remarked that knowingly engaging in what he described as an attempt to mislead the people would amount to foolishness, adding that he had no intention of being “made a fool”.

Accusing the Centre of deploying the interlocutor to influence voters in favour of the BJP, Thapa said the timing of the appointment, with elections likely after February, exposed its political intent. Recalling the example of 2009, he noted that an interlocutor had been appointed then as well, yet no tangible outcome had emerged. According to him, Gorkhaland has still not been realised, proving that dialogue alone is insufficient.

Thapa asserted that only a decision passed by Parliament could bring about the formation of Gorkhaland, not prolonged discussions or consultations. He said that had the interlocutor arrived after Parliament had passed a resolution creating Gorkhaland, he would have welcomed him. Instead, he argued, the hills are currently peaceful and the appointment of an interlocutor at this juncture is an attempt to artificially create a political perception.

Raising pointed questions, Thapa asked whether Gorkhaland would be passed in Parliament first or merely discussed before an interlocutor, adding that the public fully understands what is unfolding. He accused successive governments of repeatedly trying to deceive the Gorkha people but maintained that such attempts would no longer succeed.

Reiterating his refusal to engage, Thapa said that choosing to meet the interlocutor despite knowing the intent behind the move would itself be an act of foolishness, something he was unwilling to do. He stressed that both he and the people of the region clearly understood the implications of the interlocutor’s visit so close to the elections.

Issuing a direct challenge to the Central leadership, Thapa said that if the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister were to officially declare the creation of Gorkhaland, he would not contest elections. However, he maintained that sending an interlocutor on the eve of elections was merely an attempt to mislead the region, adding that the people would no longer be misled.