Article 371F a Permanent Constitutional Guarantee; Sikkim and Darjeeling Must Support Each Other Without Political Infringement, Asserts Raju Bista

KalimNews, Oct 4, 2026, Gangtok: In his maiden address as the newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state in-charge for Sikkim, Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista firmly affirmed the party’s unwavering commitment to the constitutional sanctity of Article 371F. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of party cadres at an organisational convention in Singtam, Bista reiterated that the special constitutional safeguards granted under Article 371F represent a permanent statutory provision of the Indian Constitution, assuring that the BJP will always honour and defend it in both letter and spirit without compromise.

The Darjeeling lawmaker’s unambiguous stance comes amidst renewed conversations from certain quarters in Darjeeling and Kalimpong advocating for a merger between Sikkim and the neighbouring hill tracts. Directly confronting these debates, Bista aligned his position with the firm consensus expressed across Sikkim's leadership. Current Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has consistently rejected any possibility of integration, declaring unequivocally that not an single inch of the state's territory would be ceded for such a proposal. Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has likewise dismissed the proposition, maintaining that there is absolutely no question of Sikkim merging with the Darjeeling hills.

Reflecting on the historical relationship between the two neighbouring regions, Bista acknowledged their profound cultural and historical bonds while underscoring that their contemporary realities and political trajectories are fundamentally separate. He noted that while both regions share a common heritage, their present and future remain distinct. Emphasising mutual respect, Bista declared that while the two regions will stand side by side and support each other, neither will infringe upon or compromise the other's distinct political space.

Turning to the state’s broader trajectory, Bista described Sikkim as an integral and strategically vital part of the nation, lauding its rich cultural heritage, vibrant diversity, ecological sensitivity, and vast developmental promise. He observed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Himalayan state has made substantial strides across essential sectors, including road and digital connectivity, modern infrastructure, eco-tourism, organic agriculture, healthcare delivery, and educational access.

Outlining the party's operational path forward, Bista asserted that building a powerful, disciplined party structure is not merely an internal goal for party karyakartas, but a vital prerequisite for strengthening Sikkim as a whole and safeguarding the core interests of its people. To achieve this, he underscored that the party’s immediate organisational priority must concentrate on consolidating its base from the booth level upwards, while simultaneously intensifying public outreach and community service across the state through initiatives such as the Seva Setu Abhiyan. Working in complete synergy with the state leadership as one unified team, Bista concluded, remains the most effective way to address ground-level concerns and champion the aspirations of the people of Sikkim.