Sikkim Chief Minister Denies Merger With Darjeeling

Sikkim Denies Merger Rumors with Darjeeling

Today's latest news brings updates from Sikkim, where Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has dismissed rumors of a merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling as completely false. These rumors have been circulating, fueled by various political figures. The Chief Minister stated clearly that Sikkim's special status, protected by Article 371F of the Indian Constitution, will remain unchanged. This article ensures Sikkim's autonomy and unique identity.

CM Tamang's Statements and Clarifications

Mr. Tamang emphasized that the idea of a merger is simply not possible. He even mentioned that those spreading these rumors, including some opposition members, have themselves admitted that such a merger is not feasible. He suggested that the opposition is resorting to spreading these rumors due to a lack of other political issues to focus on. During the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party's foundation day on Tuesday, he reiterated this position, forcefully denying any possibility of Sikkim and Darjeeling merging. He stressed that Sikkim and Darjeeling both have their own unique identities and will remain separate.

No Darjeeling Representation in Delhi Delegation

An important point highlighted by the Chief Minister is that the delegation traveling to New Delhi on February 10th to advocate for tribal status for 12 communities will not include representatives from Darjeeling. This contrasts with earlier delegations in the early 2000s, which did include Darjeeling representatives, especially during the Limboo Tamang communities' push for tribal status. The decision to keep this delegation focused solely on Sikkimese communities was made during a legislative meeting where Darjeeling was not represented.

Collaboration on Tribal Status, But Separate Committees

While there will be no joint representation in the Delhi delegation, Mr. Tamang clarified that Sikkim and Darjeeling will work together to push for tribal status. A meeting held earlier in Siliguri showed a shared goal, with Sikkim seeking tribal status for 12 communities and Darjeeling for 11. However, the high-level committee dealing with this matter will focus solely on Sikkim's request. The hope is that this collective effort will put more pressure on the central government to grant the desired tribal status.

Opposition Questions State Government's Approach

The Citizen Action Party, an opposition group, has raised questions regarding the state government's collaboration with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista from the BJP for pursuing tribal status, instead of working directly with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This raises interesting questions about political strategies and inter-state collaborations.

This situation highlights the complexities of regional politics in India and the importance of maintaining clear communication to avoid misunderstandings and misinformation. The focus remains on protecting Sikkim's unique identity and pursuing the best interests of its people. The ongoing efforts for tribal status recognition demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of specific communities within Sikkim.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top