‘Sikkim is India, India is Sikkim’: BJP’s Thapa slams Congress leader’s ‘neighbouring country’ remark

Sikkim BJP President  DR Thapa on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent remarks made by senior Congress leader Dr. Ajoy Kumar, who referred to Sikkim as a “neighbouring country” during a press conference held at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi.

 

Calling the statement deeply hurtful and completely unacceptable, Thapa said, “This is not just an insult to the people of Sikkim, but it shows disrespect to the unity and integrity of the Indian nation. Referring to Sikkim as a neighbouring country is not only wrong but also exposes a shocking lack of historical knowledge.”

 

Sikkim, a small but strategically important state in the northeastern part of India, became the 22nd state of the Indian Union in 1975 after a historic referendum. Thapa reminded everyone that the people of Sikkim have always stood with the nation with full commitment and pride. “We share borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal. Sikkim plays a vital role in India’s national security. Our people are patriotic and have always worked for the progress and unity of the country,” he said.

 

The BJP leader said that Ajoy Kumar’s comment was careless and showed that even after ruling the country for more than 50 years, the Congress party still does not truly accept Sikkim as part of India. “This shows the mindset of the Congress leadership. It is very unfortunate that such a senior leader could make such an ignorant statement. It hurts every citizen of Sikkim and the rest of the country as well,” he said.

 

Thapa demanded a clear and immediate apology from the Congress leader and his party. “We want a public apology from  Ajoy Kumar. He must take back his words. Sikkim is not a neighbouring country. Sikkim is India, and India is Sikkim. That is the truth and there should be no confusion about it,” he added.

 

He further urged all political parties, including the Congress, to be more careful and respectful while speaking about sensitive issues related to India's territorial integrity and the sentiments of the people.

 

People across Sikkim, including social media users, have also expressed anger over Dr Ajoy Kumar’s remark. Many have taken to social platforms to criticise the Congress leader and show their pride in being Indian citizens from Sikkim.