New Delhi, April 15: Sikkim has overwhelmingly voted for the abolition of the institution of Chogyal and for full statehood within the Indian Union. The voting took place in a referendum throughout the Himalayan State yesterday.
Within minutes of the declaration of the result of referendum, the Chief Minister, Kazi Lhondup Dorji, conveyed it to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, and sought an opportunity to visit Delhi and present the result personally to her and the President “at your very earliest convenience.”
The Kazi told the Prime Minister that the people of Sikkim had approved and endorsed the Sikkim Assembly resolution by 59,635 votes in favour and 1.496 votes against.
The resolution, passed by the Sikkim Assembly on April 10, had said “the institution of Chogyal is hereby abolished and Sikkim shall henceforth be a constituent unit of India.”
The referendum had called upon the Sikkimese to record their verdict on the resolution.
The Chief Minister in his communication to the Prime Minister to-night said that through this referendum, conducted with scrupulous impartiality under the supervision of the Sikkimese Election Officers and covered by a large number of press representatives, the Sikkimese people had unitedly endorsed the Assembly resolution.
The Kazi said that through the referendum, the people had confirmed their mandate to the Assembly.
Published – April 16, 2025 04:10 am IST