Sikkim slams Congress spokesperson for “neighbouring country” reference

GANGTOK,: The shocking reference of Sikkim as a “neighbouring country” by Indian National Congress (INC) spokesperson Ajoy Kumar has been strongly condemned by political parties here.

Kumar, while addressing a press meet at the AICC headquarters in New Delhi, had shockingly referred to Sikkim as a “neighbouring country”. He was talking about India’s “deteriorating relations” with neighbouring countries under the BJP government at the Centre. He cited examples of Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and ended up naming Sikkim as well.

The reckless comment from Kumar, the AICC in-charge for two Northeastern States (Nagaland and Tripura) comes at a time when Sikkim is celebrating its 50^th year of Statehood.

In a press statement on Wednesday, ruling SKM expressed strong condemnation and deep disappointment over the highly irresponsible and insensitive remark made by INC spokesperson Ajoy Kumar.

“Such a statement, coming from a former IPS officer, former Member of Parliament, and a senior representative of India’s oldest political party, is not only factually incorrect but also deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the people of Sikkim. This careless and ignorant comment displays a shameful lack of awareness about India’s territorial integrity and undermines Sikkim’s rightful and proud status as an integral part of the Indian Union since 1975,” said SKM spokesperson Bikash Basnet.

“The SKM party, along with the people of Sikkim, strongly denounces this disgraceful remark and demands an unconditional public apology from the All India Congress Committee (AICC). We also urge the Congress leadership to take strict disciplinary action against Ajoy Kumar for this unacceptable and offensive behaviour,” said the SKM spokesperson.

Basnet said it is alarming that the Congress party which has ruled the country for six decades continues to appoint individuals lacking basic geographical and constitutional knowledge to represent it on national platforms. This incident exposes the deep ignorance and disregard for Sikkim’s identity which cannot be tolerated under any circumstance, he said.

“SKM party reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the dignity, identity and integrity of Sikkim and demands that the Congress party take immediate corrective steps and issue a clarification before further damage is done. Sikkim is not a neighboring country. Sikkim is an integral part of the great nation Bharat and we are proud Indians,” said the SKM spokesperson.

Similarly, State BJP president DR Thapa strongly condemned the deeply ignorant and offensive remark made by the Congress leader referring to Sikkim as a ‘neighbouring country.’ This is not just an insult to the people of Sikkim but a disgrace to the spirit of the Indian Union, he said on Wednesday.

“Such reckless and uninformed comments not only betray a lack of basic historical understanding but deeply hurt the sentiments of every Sikkimese citizen. It is unacceptable and demands an immediate apology,” said the State BJP president.

It is very unfortunate that Congress has ruled the country for more than 50 years and the statement of Congress leader shows that the Congress has not accepted Sikkim as part of India, said Thapa.

“Sikkim became a proud and integral part of India over 50 years ago, and we have since stood tall—defending our borders, enriching our culture, and contributing immensely to the nation’s development. We share critical international borders and play a vital strategic role in India’s national security. The people of Sikkim have time and again demonstrated their unwavering patriotism and commitment to the nation,” asserted the State BJP president.

“Let it be clear—Sikkim is India. India is Sikkim. No political leader has the right to belittle our identity or question our place in this great nation,” said Thapa.

Following a strong condemnation from various quarters, the Congress leader posted his apology, saying it was a “slip of tongue”.

“Yesterday, in my press conference on 'SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) 400 crore scam', when I was speaking on the deteriorating relations with our neighbouring countries, I accidentally took the name of a state. For which I sincerely apologise as it was just a slip of tongue,” the Congress leader wrote on X on Wednesday.