New Delhi: In a resolute statement, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has categorically denied the ongoing speculation about a possible merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills. Addressing the media after the legislative assembly session, Mr. Tamang dismissed the claims as baseless rumors fueled by political agendas. He reassured the people of Sikkim that the state's special status under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution remains intact and non-negotiable.

"This is well known to every Sikkimese citizen. Even those spreading such rumors have acknowledged that the merger is not feasible. The opposition lacks substantial issues to address, so they resort to spreading these baseless claims," Mr. Tamang asserted.

Strong Stance on Autonomy

The speculation about Sikkim’s potential merger with Darjeeling has gained traction in political circles in recent weeks. However, Mr. Tamang made it clear that such a move is impossible under the current constitutional framework. Speaking at the foundation day event of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party, he reiterated the distinct identities of both regions and the legal safeguards in place to protect Sikkim’s autonomy.

"There is no merger happening between Sikkim and Darjeeling. We are protected by Article 371F. Neither can any state take over Sikkim, nor can any other region be integrated into Sikkim. Sikkim has its own identity, and Darjeeling has its own identity," he emphasized.

Delhi Delegation to Exclude Darjeeling Representatives

The Chief Minister also clarified that an upcoming delegation from Sikkim, set to meet in New Delhi on February 10 to advocate for tribal status for 12 left-out communities, will not include representatives from Darjeeling Hills. He explained that while previous delegations on similar matters, such as those seeking tribal recognition for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the early 2000s, had included Darjeeling representatives, the current delegation is solely for Sikkim’s cause.

"The meeting was initially planned in Kolkata since the chairman of the concerned committee is based there. However, we later decided to shift the venue to New Delhi, where we have our own infrastructure at Sikkim House. The decision was made in a legislative meeting, which did not have any representation from Darjeeling. The delegation will exclusively represent Sikkimese communities submitting their draft proposal to the concerned ministry," Mr. Tamang stated.

Collective Tribal Status Demand but Separate Committees

Despite the exclusion of Darjeeling representatives from Sikkim’s delegation, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the demand for tribal status extends beyond Sikkim. He noted that while Darjeeling is pushing for the recognition of 11 communities, Sikkim's demand encompasses 12 communities. The two regions share a common cause, and collective pressure on the central government will be beneficial.

"A unified demand from both regions strengthens our case. This is why we held a meeting in Siliguri, as the issue is relevant to both Sikkim and Darjeeling. However, the high-level committee responsible for drafting and submitting the proposal is exclusively for Sikkim, not Darjeeling," he clarified.

Opposition's Concerns and Criticism

The opposition Citizen Action Party has raised concerns regarding Sikkim’s approach to the tribal status demand, questioning why the state government is collaborating with Darjeeling MP Raju Bista of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) instead of engaging with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The opposition has accused the ruling party of sidelining critical discussions and misleading the public with ambiguous statements.

While Mr. Tamang has not directly addressed this criticism, his firm stance on Sikkim’s autonomy and distinct identity suggests that his government intends to handle state affairs independently without external influence. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on constitutional protections under Article 371F further reinforces Sikkim’s position as a distinct entity with its own governance framework.

The Road Ahead

The rumors surrounding a potential Sikkim-Darjeeling merger have been a recurring theme in political discussions. However, Mr. Tamang’s unequivocal rejection of these claims, along with his emphasis on preserving Sikkim’s autonomy, is expected to put an end to the speculation. With the upcoming delegation in New Delhi, Sikkim’s leadership aims to focus solely on its tribal status demand, leaving no room for confusion regarding its relationship with Darjeeling.

As political parties in both Sikkim and West Bengal continue to navigate the evolving landscape of regional politics, the issue of tribal recognition remains a critical point of discussion. While collaboration on common interests may persist, Mr. Tamang’s statements make it clear that Sikkim’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and any talk of a merger remains purely speculative and politically motivated.