The BJP has called for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Sikkim under Article 371(F) of the Constitution, asserting that the exercise must comply with laws designed to protect the rights and identity of the state’s indigenous people.
A delegation of party leaders met the district election officer in Gangtok to press their demand, party spokesperson Sangay Gyatso Bhutia said on Tuesday.
He stated that the BJP had “clearly articulated” that the revision must be carried out under Article 371(F), which provides the historical and legal basis for safeguarding Sikkim’s distinct identity. “The BJP is committed to protecting the unique identity and constitutional safeguards of the Sikkimese people,” he said.
Bhutia said the SIR should adhere to the Sikkim Citizenship Order Act, 1975, and the Representation of the Sikkim Subject Act, 1974. The delegation submitted a detailed application earlier filed with the Chief Electoral Officer, outlining the party’s legal and constitutional reasoning.
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He added that the BJP’s position placed “Sikkim and Sikkimese people first” and criticised rival political parties for what he described as their silence on an issue of “fundamental importance”. “The silence maintained by other political parties… is deeply disappointing and frankly, alarming,” Bhutia said, alleging that such silence raised doubts about their motives.
He urged the public to “see through” what he claimed was duplicity on the part of other political parties. The BJP, he said, would remain vigilant and monitor developments to ensure the interests of Sikkim’s indigenous communities were safeguarded.
The Election Commission had last month ordered SIR in 12 states and Union Territories, including several headed for Assembly elections next year.
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