The Sikkim state administration and civil society groups have raised serious concerns about proposed political arrangements for Darjeeling. These worries focus on a new pathway for a permanent political solution for the Gorkha region.
Sikkim Fears Threat to Article 371F
Representation was given to the Centre’s interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh on October 8, 2026. The concerns highlight fears that proposals involving neighboring areas could threaten Sikkim's territorial integrity and its constitutional protections under Article 371F.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang ruled out any possibility of a merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling on September 27, 2026. He asserted that the state's constitutional status remains non-negotiable. Protests were also held in Gangtok by the Citizen Action Party regarding the drafting of the proposal.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista issued a public reassurance on October 5, 2026, clarifying that there is no official proposal for a merger. He affirmed that the BJP remains committed to upholding Article 371F. Stakeholders emphasize that any future administrative shifts must respect historical treaties such as the
1817 Treaty of Titalia and trade access essential to Sikkim's economy.
