Sikkim news & politics
The latest news from Sikkim, where Prem Singh Tamang (SKM) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: protest opposition, crime violence, infrastructure.
Protesters demand deferment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam's swearing-in amid CBI murder case probe
Dushyant Kumar Gautam was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Sikkim at Lok Bhavan in Gangtok on Monday. Appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12, 2026, he succeeds Om Prakash Mathur. A Muhamed Mustaque administered the oath before Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Protesters demanded a deferment until the CBI investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case concludes.
Congress, SDF oppose Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor over alleged murder involvement
The Sikkim unit of Congress and the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) opposed appointing Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim’s Governor. They urged President Droupadi Murmu to recall him until a CBI probe into the September 18, 2022, murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari concludes. State Congress president Gopal Chhetri and Komal Chamling cited his alleged involvement in the case while noting Sikkim had four Governors in seven years.
Protesters demand Centre defer Dushyant Kumar Gautam's swearing-in pending CBI murder investigation
Students and locals protested at the District Administrative Centre in Gangtok, opposing the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor. Organiser Anjali led the citizen-led initiative demanding the Centre defer his October 19 swearing-in until the CBI completes its investigation into the alleged 'VIP' angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder.
Rahul Gandhi urges President Murmu to reconsider Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim Governor
On October 15, 2026, Rahul Gandhi wrote to President Droupadi Murmu urging reconsideration of Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim Governor until a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged ‘VIP’ angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder concludes. Mallikarjun Kharge, Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist), and Pauri Garhwal residents protested after Delhi Police removed Ankita's parents from India Gate.
Congress, Gopal Chettri demand withdrawal of Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment pending CBI probe
The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee and Gopal Chettri demanded the Union government withdraw the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor until a CBI investigation into an alleged VIP angle in the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari concludes. Following an October 15 protest at India Gate, parents were detained by Delhi Police.
Congress protests Dushyant Gautam's Sikkim appointment over alleged 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari
On Monday, Dushyant Gautam, a former BJP National General Secretary, was appointed Governor of Sikkim. On Tuesday, Congress protested the appointment, alleging Gautam was named by parents in the September 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari. Ganesh Godiyal and Kumari Selja criticized the move, while Manveer Singh Chauhan countered by highlighting allegations against A Bimol Akoijam.
Nitin Gadkari announces ₹993.64 crore project to upgrade NH10 against Teesta River landslides
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹993.64 crore project to upgrade National Highway 10 from Rangpo to Ranipool into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, tunnels, and viaducts. Announced on October 7, 2026, the project addresses frequent landslides and land sinking caused by the Teesta River. Raju Bista, Indra Hang Subba, Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, and Nar Bahadur Dahal welcomed the initiative.
Sikkim Official Recommends Declaring Rimbi Village Uninhabitable After Landslides
After a series of landslides and flash floods triggered by intense monsoon rainfall, Rinzing Chewang, Sikkim Disaster Relief Commissioner, surveyed Rimbi village on September 25 and recommended declaring it 'uninhabitable'. At least 32 houses and 4 government quarters were damaged since August 13. Residents have been moved to relief camps; families with completely damaged homes will receive Rs 1.3 lakh in compensation under the Sikkim Housing Scheme, which also provides land and housing support for those who lost their property. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang prioritized public safety by issuing directions to authorities to remain on high alert.
India's GDP will rise to $38 trillion in 20 years: Ajit Doval
On September 19, 2026, Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, addressed the IIT Roorkee convocation, predicting that India’s GDP would rise from $4.015 trillion to $38 trillion over the next two decades. He encouraged students to be courageous like Lord Ram and highlighted the transformative era they are part of, calling it 'Amrit Kaal'. Published September 19, 2026.
Manipur Deletes 1,32,456 Voters in Electoral Roll Cleanup Amid Kuki-Zo Concerns
On September 6, 2026, Manipur and Sikkim published final photo electoral rolls after a special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. In Manipur, 1,32,456 voters were deleted from the initial 20,93,076, leaving 19,60,620 eligible voters. In Sikkim, 52,614 out of 4,71,081 were removed, resulting in 4,18,467 voters. Manipur’s Kuki-Zo groups had concerns about voter deletions due to displacement from ethnic conflicts. The final rolls include gender ratios and third-gender electors as per the Election Commission of India instructions.
Landslide Blocks Chyakoong, Teesta Rivers, Panics North Sikkim Residents
A landslide above the Chyakoong River in North Sikkim's Mangan district on Saturday night partially blocked both the Chyakoong and Teesta Rivers, causing panic due to recent Nepal floods. Raju Bista, Darjeeling MP, spoke with Sikkim Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang about the incident. While no immediate flood threat exists, authorities urge residents to stay calm and avoid riverbanks until assessments are complete. Water levels remain normal but muddy; police monitor the situation closely.
A massive landslide hit Sikkim's Mangan district in the early hours
A massive landslide hit Sikkim's Mangan district in the early hours of Sunday, September 6, 2026, partially blocking two rivers near the Naga-Tosa Road’s new road cutting opposite the Theng Tunnel. No casualties were reported; officials are assessing property damage and monitoring river levels continuously. The water remains muddy but normal at Sankalang and Phidang outposts.