Gangtok/Darjeeling: Amid renewed discussions over a possible Darjeeling-Sikkim merger, Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista has clarified that there is no connection between the Centre’s Permanent Political Solution (PPS) process for the Darjeeling region and Sikkim.
Bista, who was recently appointed as the BJP’s Sikkim State in-charge, said his new organisational responsibility should not be interpreted as an indication of any political plan to merge Sikkim with Darjeeling.
According to Bista, the Permanent Political Solution concerns the Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars region and stems from the distinct history and political aspirations of the area. He made it clear that Sikkim is not part of the PPS issue.
Bista also pointed out that Sikkim has its own political history and constitutional safeguards, including the special protection provided under Article 371F. He said these matters are separate from the political process concerning Darjeeling and neighbouring areas.
His remarks come shortly after the BJP appointed him as the party's state in-charge for Sikkim on September 23, 2026. The appointment had generated speculation because Bista represents neighbouring Darjeeling in the Lok Sabha. The BJP has, however, described the appointment as an organisational responsibility aimed at strengthening the party's presence in Sikkim.
The merger debate has gained attention in recent weeks. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has separately rejected the possibility of a merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling, calling such an idea impossible and stressing that Sikkim's constitutional protections must be preserved.
Meanwhile, Bista has said that his immediate priority as Sikkim BJP in-charge is to meet party leaders and workers, understand ground-level issues and strengthen the organisation across the state. He is also expected to visit Sikkim for meetings with the state leadership and party workers.
The clarification is significant as discussions surrounding the Gorkha political issue and Permanent Political Solution for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars continue. The Centre has already appointed an interlocutor to facilitate discussions on the long-standing political concerns of the region.
For now, Bista's statement draws a clear distinction between the Darjeeling PPS process and Sikkim's political and constitutional framework, while speculation over any merger remains outside the stated agenda of the Centre's Darjeeling process.
