An Overview: How Sikkim Became India's State?

Sikkim is positioned in the northeastern part of India. Despite its size, covering just 7096 square kilometres, it houses a population of approximately 540,000 people. This tiny region, once governed by a hereditary monarchy, held sway for nearly three centuries, beginning in the 17th century AD.

The Assembly election result has turned all eyes to this tiny state. Coincided with the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections on 19 April. All 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim contested in one phase on that day. These assembly elections will decide who will serve as the next chief minister of the state.

Photo Credit: Sikkim Tourism X

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading in the Sikkim Assembly elections. Vote counting is ongoing for 32 Assembly seats, with 147 candidates in the running. The opposition, Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), has only taken the lead in the Shyari constituency, where it has fielded a turncoat.

The current government, led by SKM, is aiming for a second term. They broke the Sikkim Democratic Front's 25-year rule in 2019 by joining forces with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But in this election, SKM is contesting alone as BJP decided to end the alliance.

The counting of votes for the assembly elections is scheduled for June 2 and for the general elections on June 4. The current government's term in Sikkim will end on June 2.

How Sikkim Became A Part Of India?

The story of how this former kingdom joined the Indian fold starts way back in the years leading up to the 1970s. To grasp it, we need to rewind to the 1640s, when the Namgyal rulers first took charge.

1 Battle During Namgyal Reign

Starting with Phuntsog Namgyal, the initial monarch, the Namgyal clan held sway over Sikkim till 1975. At one point, Sikkim's domain even stretched over the Chumbi Valley (now part of China) and Darjeeling. But in the early 1700s, a string of conflicts with Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet saw Sikkim's borders shrink.

2. Under British Influence

When the British came knocking, they aimed to expand their grip over the Himalayan lands. Meanwhile, Nepal was also eyeing territorial gains. This led to the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-1816), where Sikkim sided with the British against Nepal. The British emerged victorious, returning some seized lands to Sikkim.

3. British Rule

A key moment came with John Claude White's appointment as Political Officer of Sikkim. By then, Sikkim was under British protection. Like much of the Indian subcontinent under British rule, Sikkim had little say in its affairs. The Namgyal rulers couldn't object to British decisions, although they did raise concerns about Nepali migration.

4. Post-Independence

Three years after India gained independence in 1947, Sikkim became its protectorate. In 1950, a treaty was signed between Sikkim's ruler Tashi Namgyal and India, ensuring Sikkim's autonomy in internal matters.

5. External Threats

China's invasion of Tibet in 1949 and Nepal's historical attacks on Sikkim made it clear that Sikkim needed a powerful ally for protection.

6. Dalai Lama's Refuge

In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet, finding sanctuary in India. This move signalled to some in Sikkim that aligning with India would ensure their safety.

7. Rising Discontent

From the 1950s to the 1970s, discontent brewed in Sikkim, mainly against the monarchy due to inequality and feudal control. Protests erupted in 1973, leading to Indian intervention and a tripartite agreement for reforms.

8. Constitutional Changes

In 1974, elections saw the Sikkim State Congress triumph. A new constitution curtailed the monarch's powers, which didn't sit well with Palden Thondup Namgyal. Sikkim was also upgraded to an "associated state" of India.

9. Joining India

In 1975, a referendum showed overwhelming support for joining India. Sikkim's parliament proposed becoming an Indian state, a move accepted by the Indian government.

How the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Came Into Being?

Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of India through the Constitution (36th Amendment) Act of 1975. According to this Act, the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim must have at least thirty-two members. The Assembly formed after the April 1974 elections, consisting of 32 members elected at that time, is recognised as the legitimate Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim under the Constitution.