BJP State president calls on Amit Shah, raises major issues concerning Sikkim

GANGTOK,: Sikkim BJP president DR Thapa, accompanied by general secretary ArjunRai, on Thursday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.

The State BJP delegation discussed several important issues concerning the security, constitutional aspirations, development, and organisational growth of the BJP in Sikkim, a party press release informs.

Thapa apprised the Union Home Minister of the recent arrest in connection with an alleged online self-radicalisation case detected in Gangtok and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen intelligence coordination, cyber surveillance, and vigilance against extremist and anti-national activities. He emphasised that, as a strategically important border State, Sikkim's peace, security, and communal harmony must be protected through proactive and effective security measures.

The BJP State president also drew the Union Home Minister's attention to the long-pending Limboo–Tamang Assembly seat reservation issue and the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the left-out 12 communities, seeking the continued support of the Government of India for an early and constitutional resolution. He also discussed the Karmapa issue, along with several other important political and developmental matters concerning Sikkim, the State BJP release informs.

Thapa also apprised the Union Home Minister of the extensive damage caused by continuous heavy rainfall across various parts of Sikkim, resulting in landslides, road disruptions, and hardships for the people. He requested enhanced support from the Central Government for relief, restoration, rehabilitation, and the strengthening of disaster-resilient infrastructure to help the State effectively address the recurring challenges posed by natural calamities.

Thapa further urged Amit Shah to extend the Budgetary Support Scheme beyond 2027 for existing companies, expressing concern that the discontinuation of tax-linked industrial incentives could lead to industries relocating from Sikkim and jeopardise the livelihoods of thousands of Sikkimese youth.

He also briefed the Union Home Minister on the growing public support for and organisational expansion of the BJP in Sikkim and reaffirmed the party's commitment to the State's inclusive development, security, and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Union Home Minister assured the delegation that the matters raised would be examined seriously and that all necessary attention would be given in the larger interest of the people of Sikkim, as well as the State's security and development, the State BJP said.