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Sikkim's SDF Boycotts Local Polls Over "Unfair" Seat Reservation Matrix

The Sikkim Democratic Front has declared a boycott of the upcoming Urban Local Body elections, calling the seat reservation matrix unfair and unconstitutional. Party vice president Krishna Kharel challenged the state government's reliance on an unverified 2022 census, stating no public record of it exists. He argued the reservation disproportionately allocates seats among communities like the Gurung, Limboo, and Tamang, violating constitutional equality. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, however, defended the process as based on a Cabinet-approved census.

Key Points: SDF Boycotts Sikkim Local Body Polls Over Seat Reservation

  • SDF announces boycott of Urban Local Body polls
  • Alleges reservation matrix is unfair and unconstitutional
  • Questions validity of 2022 census data
  • Criticizes lack of consultation and rushed election timeline
2 min read

Sikkim: SDF to boycott Local Body poll

Sikkim Democratic Front boycotts Urban Local Body elections, alleging unconstitutional seat allocation based on an unverified 2022 census.

"The Chief Minister claimed that a census was held in 2022, but there is no public record or notification. - Krishna Kharel"

Gangtok, March 27

The Sikkim Democratic Front on Friday announced it will boycott the upcoming Urban Local Body elections, alleging that the seat reservation matrix is "unfair, unconstitutional and based on an unverified census."

Addressing a press conference, SDF vice president Krishna Kharel said the party would stay away from the polls until "just and proportionate representation" is ensured for all communities.

He questioned the state government's assertion that a census was conducted in 2022, as stated by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang during a one-day Assembly session on Thursday.

"The Chief Minister claimed that a census was held in 2022, but there is no public record or notification. As far as we know, the only valid census is the 2011 national census, and any reservation must be based on that," Kharel said.

He added that reliance on an unpublished survey violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.

Highlighting disparities, Kharel claimed the Gurung community has been allotted just one seat statewide, the Limboo community two reserved and one unreserved seat, while the Tamang community has received eight reserved seats.

He argued that Central OBCs should have been allocated around 17 seats instead of eight, and State OBCs about 14-15 seats instead of 11, based on earlier data.

Describing the alleged 2022 exercise as a "party-driven and unannounced census," Kharel said no all-party consultation or public participation preceded the reservation process.

He also alleged that despite submitting objections to the State Election Commission, the party has not received a substantive response.

Kharel further criticised the timing of the polls, noting they were announced within days of the reservation notification, leaving little room for stakeholders to respond.

He also questioned the urgency of elections in newly created districts like Pakyong and Soreng.

Meanwhile, Tamang maintained that the reservation exercise was based on a Cabinet-approved 2022 census, asserting that seat allocation reflects population trends and dismissing allegations of imbalance as baseless.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Boycotting elections is a strong step, but sometimes it's necessary to highlight injustice. The numbers mentioned for Gurung and Limboo communities seem very low. Hope this leads to a proper review. 🤞
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Aman W
While I understand the frustration, a boycott might not be the best solution. It leaves voters without a choice. The SDF should contest and raise these issues within the system. Walking away weakens democracy.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see this from Sikkim. The principle is universal: representation must be based on verified, public data. "Party-driven census" sounds alarming. The CM's office needs to provide proof of the 2022 exercise.
K
Karthik V
The timing is suspect. Announcing polls right after the reservation notification doesn't allow for healthy debate. This seems like a tactic to push through a questionable matrix. Sikkim deserves better.
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Nisha Z
As someone from the hills, I know how important local body elections are for development. If communities feel sidelined, it creates long-term resentment. Hope a fair solution is found soon. Jai Hind!

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