Gangtok: Sikkim Republican Party led by Kharga Bahadur Rai slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s recent call for “Sikkim to join the mainstream,” warning that such a move could signal the end of Article 371F.
BJP National President JP Nadda’s statement, made just days before the elections, urged Sikkim to embrace mainstream politics.
KB Rai on Tuesday at a press conference contended, “BJP President JP Nadda urging Sikkim to join mainstream politics will be the end of Article 371F. BJP does not understand the culture, heritage, and traditions of Sikkim. They will not care about Sikkim’s history or why the protection of Sikkimese people under Article 371F is necessary. We want Sikkim to be governed under Article 371F, we have our mini-constitution under it”.
KB Rai who contested as a Lok Sabha MP candidate also slammed the BJP Sikkim Incharge Dilip Jaiswal who claimed, “doesn’t matter who wins the elections, BJP will form the government”.
Rai countered, “Any party forming the government faces challenges equal to the opposition. When the national party asserts on doesn’t matter who forms the government. Two major parties (SKM and SDF) are alliance partners of BJP. We hardly expect the senior party (SDF) to work for the people of the State. But we do expect the new party (SKM) to stand courageous against such party and statements”.
SRP however, without naming SKM said, “For the past 5 years in governance, they have welcomed the national party (BJP) who work for the Universal Civil Code and will have no second thoughts about removing Article 371F. Did they mention about abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir? Despite all the opposition, they went ahead with the abrogation. What guarantees Sikkim’s 371F will not face the same fate?”.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Rai highlighted the need to protect Sikkim, its people, and Article 371F. He stated, “Representation of People Amendment Act will be under threat, there are many problems inside the Act. Representation of People’s Act must be re-amended, Sikkim Assembly must be proportionate to other communities, hence Limboo Tamang has still not got assembly reservation after 21 years of being tribal. We want to run the State as per 371F. The right to which was given in 1975. The party in power must not compromise on that”.
Rai further added, “The government of tomorrow must be courageous to speak for people’s protection and rectifications of many compromising old laws. The government of tomorrow should not be a puppet, otherwise the ship of the State will sink before delimitation in 2026. Before delimitation and demarcation, the assembly seat reservation must be done”.
Also Read | JP Nadda urges Sikkim to embrace mainstream politics by joining BJP