GANGTOK: Kharga Bahadur Rai, the leader of Sikkim Republican Party (SRP), strongly rebuked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for advocating Sikkim’s integration into mainstream Indian politics, fearing it could jeopardize the state’s special provisions under Article 371F.
Rai expressed grave concerns over BJP president JP Nadda’s recent remarks urging Sikkim to align with mainstream Indian politics.
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He asserted that such a move would potentially signal the end of Article 371F, which grants unique privileges to Sikkim.
Rai criticized BJP’s “apparent disregard” for Sikkim’s distinct culture, heritage, and traditions, accusing them of aiming to dismantle regional politics.
Rai emphasized the importance of maintaining the autonomy and integrity of regional political parties, particularly in the face of pressures from national parties like BJP.
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He lamented the alignment of major Sikkimese parties, including the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), with the BJP, expressing disappointment in their failure to prioritize the interests of the state’s people.
Furthermore, Rai condemned BJP’s Sikkim incharge, Dilip Jaiswal, for allegedly conspiring against regional political parties and undermining their influence.
Highlighting the need for amendments to the Representation of People Amendment Act, Rai stressed the importance of fair representation for all communities in the Sikkim Assembly, particularly the Limboo and Tamang communities who have yet to receive reservation despite their tribal status for over two decades.
Rai underscored SRP’s commitment to upholding Article 371F and ensuring that Sikkim’s rights, granted in 1975, are preserved.
He cautioned against complacency in the face of BJP’s agenda, citing their track record of pushing controversial measures such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rai urged vigilance and unity among Sikkimese parties to safeguard the state’s autonomy and prevent any encroachment on its special status under Article 371F.