Gangtok, May 16: BJP leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia has issued a detailed public statement expressing concern over the handling of several long-pending constitutional, political and administrative matters in Sikkim during the ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations commemorating 50 years of the state’s merger with India.
In the statement titled “Golden Jubilee, Silent Questions: Sikkim Demands Accountability”, Bhutia described the year-long Statehood celebrations from 2025 to 2026 as a period of pride and reflection for the people of Sikkim. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on April 27 and 28, stating that it reflected the Centre’s continued commitment to Sikkim’s development and integration.
However, Bhutia alleged that several important and unresolved issues concerning the state had not received sufficient attention from the government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
According to the statement, the key issue was whether the state government had adequately represented and consistently pursued the core concerns and aspirations of the people of Sikkim.
Bhutia clarified that there had been no failure on the part of the Prime Minister, maintaining that the Centre acts on issues formally and consistently raised by state governments. He argued that ceremonial events alone could not replace sustained policy engagement on long-pending matters.
The BJP leader outlined a series of issues which, according to him, required immediate attention from the state administration. Among them were the publication of a White Paper titled “Sikkim: Now and Then (1975–2026)”, protection and implementation of constitutional safeguards under Article 371F, restoration of Nepali of Sikkimese origin and Tsong Assembly seats, and a review of hydroelectric projects including the 1200 MW Teesta Hydroelectric Project in North Sikkim.
Bhutia also called for a detailed report on the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster, including information on compensation, financial allocations and restoration measures taken by the government.
The statement further raised concerns over the alleged illegal acquisition of Certificates of Identification (COI) and similar identity documents, which Bhutia said could have implications for demographic balance, ethnic harmony and security in the border state.
He also referred to demands for increasing Bhutia-Lepcha Assembly representation in the event of any future expansion of Assembly strength beyond the existing 32 seats and urged protection of the rights of old settlers of Indian origin based on recommendations made by a Parliamentary Committee of the Rajya Sabha.
Seeking clarity on four resolutions adopted during an all-party meeting convened by the Joint Action Council (JAC)-Sikkim in February 2023, Bhutia said the issues included safeguarding the term “Sikkimese”, setting up an expert committee on Article 371F, restoring reserved seats and removing provisions related to Residential Certificates.
On economic matters, Bhutia expressed concern over the state’s debt burden, stating that Sikkim’s debt had reportedly increased from around ₹3.84 crore in 1984-85 to nearly ₹26,605 crore by 2025. He said the trend raised questions about fiscal sustainability and long-term developmental priorities.
The statement also highlighted demographic and administrative changes, including population growth and expansion in government employment, which Bhutia said required transparent public discussion regarding their impact on infrastructure, jobs, constitutional protections and social harmony.
Among additional concerns highlighted were the status of the Inner Line Permit committee report, issues related to Residential Certificate holders purchasing immovable property, the Economic Revival Committee report, the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation matter, Scheduled Tribe status for left-out communities and revision of electoral rolls.
Bhutia further stated that concerns surrounding illegal entries, fake identities and irregularities in electoral inclusion should be treated seriously considering Sikkim’s strategic border location and constitutional protections.
Describing the statement as being issued in the broader interest of transparency, democratic accountability and constitutional responsibility rather than political confrontation, Bhutia called on the state government to adopt immediate, transparent and time-bound measures to address pending concerns.
He added that the 51st Statehood Day should serve as an opportunity for the government to demonstrate urgency and accountability in addressing issues affecting the state and its people.
BJP Leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia Raises Questions Over Unresolved Sikkim Issues During Golden Jubilee Celebrations
BJP leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia has issued a detailed public statement expressing concern over the handling of several long-pending constitutional, political and administrative issues in Sikkim during the ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations commemorating 50 years of the state’s merger with India.
In the statement titled “Golden Jubilee, Silent Questions: Sikkim Demands Accountability”, Bhutia described the year-long Statehood celebrations from 2025 to 2026 as a significant moment of pride and reflection for the people of Sikkim. He also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting the state on April 27 and 28, stating that the visit reflected the Centre’s continued commitment towards Sikkim’s development and integration with the nation.
At the same time, Bhutia alleged that several unresolved and sensitive issues concerning the state had not received adequate attention from the government led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
“The real question is whether the State Government has done enough to strongly represent and consistently pursue the core concerns and aspirations of the people of Sikkim,” the statement said.
Bhutia clarified that there had been “no omission or failure” on the part of the Prime Minister and maintained that the Centre generally responds to issues formally and consistently raised by the state government. He stated that ceremonial celebrations could not replace sustained negotiations and policy-level engagement on pending demands.
The BJP leader outlined several issues which, according to him, required urgent intervention. These included publication of a White Paper titled “Sikkim: Now and Then (1975–2026)”, implementation and protection of safeguards under Article 371F, restoration of Nepali of Sikkimese origin and Tsong Assembly seats, and a review of hydroelectric projects including the 1200 MW Teesta Hydroelectric Project in North Sikkim.
Bhutia also called for a comprehensive report on the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster, including details regarding compensation, financial allocations and restoration work carried out after the disaster.
The statement further raised concerns over the alleged illegal acquisition of identity-related documents such as Certificates of Identification (COI). Bhutia said the matter carried implications for demographic balance, ethnic harmony and national security in the strategically important border state.
He additionally referred to demands seeking an increase in Bhutia-Lepcha Assembly seats in the event of any future expansion of the Assembly strength beyond 32 seats. The BJP leader also called for protection of the rights of old settlers of Indian origin in Sikkim in accordance with recommendations made by a Parliamentary Committee of the Rajya Sabha.
Seeking clarity on the status of four resolutions adopted during the all-party Joint Action Council (JAC)-Sikkim meeting held in February 2023, Bhutia said the issues included protection of the term “Sikkimese”, constitution of an expert committee on Article 371F, restoration of reserved seats and cancellation of the Residential Certificate provision.
On financial matters, Bhutia expressed concern over the state’s growing debt burden. According to the statement, Sikkim’s debt had increased from around ₹3.84 crore in 1984-85 to nearly ₹26,605 crore by 2025. He said the rising debt levels raised questions regarding fiscal sustainability and developmental priorities.
The statement also highlighted demographic and administrative changes over the years, including population growth and expansion of government employment. Bhutia said these developments required transparent public discussion regarding their long-term impact on infrastructure, jobs, constitutional protections and social harmony.
Among other pending matters, he referred to the Inner Line Permit committee report, issues related to Residential Certificate holders purchasing immovable property, the Economic Revival Committee report, the Limboo-Tamang seat reservation issue, Scheduled Tribe status for left-out communities and revision of electoral rolls.
Bhutia further stated that concerns regarding illegal entries, fake identities and alleged irregularities in electoral rolls should be treated seriously in view of Sikkim’s sensitive border location and the constitutional safeguards guaranteed under Article 371F.
“This Public Statement is issued not in a spirit of confrontation or political hostility, but in the larger interest of transparency, constitutional responsibility, democratic accountability, and the long-term protection of Sikkim’s unique historical and constitutional identity,” the statement said.
Calling for urgent government action, Bhutia said the 51st Statehood Day on May 16 should serve as a reminder for the administration to adopt “immediate, concrete, transparent and time-bound measures” on the pending issues.
“Sikkim deserves clarity. Sikkim deserves action. And above all, Sikkim deserves leadership that is accountable, responsible, and committed to the interests of its people,” he said.
