Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Chief Advisor to the BJP’s Sikkim unit, has called for greater transparency, accountability and political clarity in the state, stressing that political alliances should not shield governments from public scrutiny.
In a statement titled “Sikkim First: Accountability, Transparency and Political Clarity,” Bhutia referred to Chief Minister P.S. Tamang’s recent Facebook post praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years in public service and acknowledging the Centre’s support to Sikkim.
While welcoming the Chief Minister’s appreciation of the Prime Minister and the Union Government, Bhutia said the same commitment to sincerity, transparency and accountability should be reflected in the functioning of the state government.
He emphasised that allegations of corruption must be examined through due process, irrespective of political affiliations. According to Bhutia, membership in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) should not exempt any political party or government from public scrutiny.
Bhutia also sought clarity on the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leadership’s position regarding its political relationship with the BJP in Sikkim, particularly in light of its public appreciation of the BJP-led government at the Centre.
Outlining four key principles, Bhutia maintained that political alliances must not provide immunity from accountability, political relationships should not take precedence over public interest, and public silence should not be interpreted as public consent. He further stressed that political considerations must not come at the expense of Sikkim’s distinct identity and constitutional protections under Article 371F.
The BJP leader said that respecting Prime Minister Modi and acknowledging the Centre’s contributions to Sikkim should go hand in hand with vigilance and accountability in state governance.
“Sikkim deserves accountable governance, political sincerity and a secure future for its coming generations,” Bhutia said.
Bhutia’s statement has brought renewed attention to governance standards, transparency and the political relationship between the BJP and the SKM in Sikkim. His remarks underline his call for greater accountability and a clearer understanding of alliance politics in the state.