On the occasion of its 46th Foundation Day and the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s merger with India, the Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the rights of indigenous communities and strengthening Article 371(F) of the Constitution. During the celebration, party leaders passed key resolutions calling for stronger constitutional safeguards to preserve Sikkim’s unique identity. Article 371(F grants special provisions to Sikkim following its merger in 1975.
The BJP demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for twelve left-out communities in the state, citing historical relevance and the constitutional protections under Article 371(F). The party also urged immediate reservation of Assembly seats for the Limboo and Tamang tribes, who were granted ST status in 2003 but still await political representation.
On the economic front, the BJP stressed the need to revive Sikkim’s tourism industry through sustainable development and job creation. The party expressed concern over rising social issues including substance abuse, gender-based violence, unemployment, and declining birth rates. Calling for joint efforts from government and civil society, the BJP said it remains committed to addressing the state’s social and economic challenges while upholding its cultural and constitutional values.