Every year on May 16, Sikkim celebrates its statehood day to recognise its integration with India and its establishment as the 22nd state of the country. Once a kingdom nestled in the Himalayas, Sikkims path to statehood was filled with various challenges and complexities. As Sikkim Statehood Day is observed, lets explore the journey of the regions incorporation into India.During the 17th century, the Namgyal dynasty established the Kingdom of Sikkim. Later, in 1890, the kingdom became a protectorate of the British Empire. Under the leadership of the Chogyal (Buddhist priest-kings), the dynasty continued to govern the region.After India gained independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to maintain Sikkims distinct protectorate status. India took responsibility for overseeing Sikkims external affairs, defence, diplomacy, and communications, while allowing the kingdom to retain its administrative autonomy.Image: freepressindiaIn 1953, a state council was established to introduce constitutional governance under the Namgyal rule. Concurrently, the Sikkim National Congress called for fresh elections. Subsequently, tensions between the monarchy and the people escalated, leading to a deterioration in their relationship.In 1973, a popular movement against the monarchy arose, spearheaded by former Sikkim Council member Kazi Lhendup Dorji. As protests turned into riots outside the Chogyals palace, the Chogyal formally requested security assistance from India. This prompted the kingdom to enter into an agreement with India and its three major political parties to implement democratic reforms.Following this, in the 1974 legislative elections, the Congress party led by Kazi Lhendup Dorji emerged as the frontrunner among other political parties. A new constitution was adopted, which limited Chogyals role to a titular position.Image: allindiadestinationMeanwhile, the Indian government modified Sikkims status to that of an “associated state” and granted it one seat each in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, as reported by the Indian Express.In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim made a formal request to the Indian Parliament for Sikkim to become a state of India. Following this, the Indian Army disarmed the guards at the Chogyal palace and assumed control of Gangtok in April of that year. Subsequently, a referendum took place, in which a majority of participants expressed their preference for ending the monarchy and joining India.As a result, Sikkim became a state of India, and the monarchy was abolished on May 16. The Indian Parliament amended the Constitution to facilitate the creation of the new state. Later, through the 36th Amendment, Sikkim was officially established as a full-fledged state and was included in the First Schedule of the Constitution.
