Draft on Gorkhaland Political Options Sparks Dispute in Sikkim

Dragon Media News Desk

A preliminary document outlining possible political arrangements for Indian Gorkhas has triggered a dispute in Sikkim. Opposition parties have objected to a fourth option, attributed to economist Mahendra P. Lama, that refers to forming a North Bengal state from parts of West Bengal and adjoining areas of neighbouring states. Lama says the proposal he submitted to the central government contained only the first three options and did not include Sikkim.

According to a report by Ratopati, the draft discussed four possible arrangements for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, the Dooars and the Chopra area of Uttar Dinajpur. They included a separate state, a union territory with an elected legislature, and an autonomous state within West Bengal. The disputed fourth option proposed a broader North Bengal state incorporating other districts of West Bengal and adjoining areas of neighbouring states.

Opposition leaders in Sikkim say the reference to neighbouring states has raised concern about the state’s territory and its special constitutional protections under Article 371F. Citizen Action Party president Ganesh Kumar Rai has questioned Lama’s role as Sikkim’s chief economic adviser. Former chief minister Pawan Chamling has argued that the longstanding demand for Gorkhaland should remain the focus of any political settlement.

Lama has rejected claims that he submitted the fourth option to the central government. He says Sikkim was never considered for inclusion in his proposal and has accused political opponents of misrepresenting the issue. The distinction between the circulated preliminary document and the proposal Lama says he submitted is central to the dispute.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has also ruled out any plan to merge Sikkim with Darjeeling or another state. He said his government would protect Sikkim’s rights under Article 371F. No decision to alter Sikkim’s boundaries has been announced.