Gangtok, Oct 16: The appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim has triggered a political backlash in the Himalayan state, with opposition leaders, student organisations and activists urging President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider the decision.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged President Droupadi Murmu to defer Gautam’s appointment until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) completes its probe into the 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand, amid allegations linking Gautam to the case.
Gandhi argued that a pause was necessary to ensure justice and preserve public confidence in the constitutional office.
Political activist Pravin Sharma has also submitted a representation to the President, seeking the withdrawal or reconsideration of the appointment until the allegations are examined by the competent authorities.
In his representation, Sharma cautioned that proceeding with the appointment without addressing the concerns could undermine public trust in the transparency, accountability and integrity of constitutional institutions.
He said his appeal was made in the larger public interest and in solidarity with Bhandari’s family and its demand for justice.
The controversy has also intensified in New Delhi, where Bhandari’s parents were detained and subsequently released after police removed them from India Gate following an overnight protest against Gautam’s appointment.
The development triggered further anguish, with Bhandari’s mother breaking down in tears during a briefing at the Press Club of India.
Activist Yogita Bhayana, who accompanied the family to Delhi, warned that the protests would intensify if their demands were not met by Friday.
The appointment has drawn sharp reactions in Sikkim, with political leaders and youth organisations questioning the decision and calling for accountability.
Komal Chamling, vice-president-in-charge of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Chelli Front, questioned the position of the state’s political leadership on the issue.
“At a time when women’s safety, justice, and accountability demand our collective attention, where do our state’s leaders stand?” she asked.
Youth leader Prakash Lee also criticised the appointment, saying Sikkim’s dignity and identity should be respected.
“Sikkim is not a dumping ground for controversy,” Lee said, asserting that the state had its own dignity, identity, history and self-respect.
The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) has also raised objections, flagging concerns over the constitutional immunities available to Governors under Article 361 and calling for greater transparency.
However, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay has welcomed Gautam’s appointment. Congratulating the newly appointed Governor, Tamang expressed hope for his guidance and support in the state government’s efforts to build a more prosperous, progressive and vibrant Sikkim.
Gautam has strongly denied the allegations linking him to the Bhandari murder case. He has also secured an interim order from the Delhi High Court restraining the circulation of defamatory claims against him.
Despite the denial and the court order, critics have maintained that the appointment should be reconsidered until the allegations are thoroughly examined by the appropriate legal authorities.