How Sikkim Became Part Of India

Table of Contents

Context

In Sikkim, 10 MLAs from the Opposition SDF defected to the BJP, adding to the political uncertainty that has loomed over since Assembly elections this year delivered a fractured mandate.
Before 1975, Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyal rulers
Analysts have described the current events as a departure from what has been called a “monarchic psychology”.
For 333 years before 1975, Sikkim was ruled by the Chogyals
The first ruler, Penchu Namgyal
At its zenith, the Sikkim kingdom included the Chumbi valley and Darjeeling.
After 1706, there were a series of conflicts between the powers of the region.
In 1814, Sikkim allied with the East India Company
In 1841, the Company purchased Darjeeling from the Namgyal rulers.
A treaty in 1861 made Sikkim a de facto protectorate of British India.
The Lhasa Convention of 1904 affirmed the Calcutta Convention.
After India became independent in 1947, the relationship between New Delhi and Gangtok had to be redefined.
In 1950, a treaty was signed between Maharaja Tashi Namgyal and India’s then Political Officer in Sikkim Harishwar Dayal.
popular discontent against the Chogyal rulers.
form the Sikkim State Congress.
In 1949, the Chogyal agreed to appoint a five-member Council of Ministers
In 1953, the Chogyal introduced a new Constitution
Plagued by distrust between the Chogyal and the Congress, none of these elections helped further democracy.
Matters came to a head in 1973, when the royal palace was besieged by thousands of protesters.
The Chogyal was left with no choice but to ask India to send troops for his assistance.
In 1974, elections were held, in which the Congress led by Kazi Lhendup Dorji emerged victorious over pro-independence parties.
In the same year, a new constitution was adopted
sented this, and refused to deliver the customary address to the elected Assembly.
In the same year, India upgraded Sikkim’s status from protectorate to “associated state”,
The Chogyal was unhappy with this move, and sought to internationalize the issue.
A total 59,637 voted in favour of abolishing the monarchy and joining India, with only 1,496 voting against.(Refrendum)