The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly distanced itself from former party member YT Lepcha, asserting that he no longer holds any association—formal or informal—with the party. In a strongly worded press statement issued on July 25, BJP Sikkim declared that any political statements issued by Lepcha in the party’s name are entirely “personal, misleading, and unauthorised.”
The party’s decision to sever ties with Lepcha stems from his open endorsement of a rival political party during the 2024 General Elections. Terming his actions a breach of party discipline, the BJP stated, “By aligning himself with a competing political outfit during the last election, Mr. YT Lepcha violated the party’s core principles and the ethical standards we uphold. His affiliation with the BJP ended at that very moment.”
The press release, issued by the state publicity wing, also warned media houses and the general public against being misled by any future remarks from Lepcha that may appear to reflect BJP’s views. “He is not authorised to speak on behalf of the BJP. His views are his own and must not be mistaken as the official stance of the party,” the statement read.
The BJP leadership in Sikkim also highlighted that the party remains committed to its core values of clean politics, public accountability, and transparency. A senior leader, while choosing to remain anonymous, stated, “We are here to work for the people of Sikkim. We will not be distracted by individuals who no longer represent us.”