Bhutia stressing on avoiding dual citizenship if any, claimed illegal voter identity acquisition, citing recent incidents of foreign nationals unlawfully obtaining Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) in Sikkim. He emphasized the need for stringent scrutiny to prevent such cases and protect the indigenous identity and constitutional rights of the Sikkimese people.
Chief Advisor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim unit also former Minister Bhutia ,emphasized the need to treat the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Sikkim as a special constitutional matter under Article 371F of the Constitution of India.
‘Highlighting Sikkim’s unique geopolitical and constitutional significance as a sensitive border state, Bhutia expressed concerns over the proposed use of the 2002 electoral rolls as the base year for the revision. He stressed that this could legitimize individuals who were ineligible for voter identity cards prior to 2002, potentially compromising the demographic balance and national security of the region.’
‘The BJP Sikkim Unit has urged the Election Commission to prioritize the 1974 electoral rolls prepared under the Representation of Sikkim Subjects Act, 1974, as the foundational reference for the revision. Additionally, the representation called for strict adherence to the verification procedures established during the 1979 intensive revision and compliance with the Sikkim (Citizenship) Orders of 1975 and 1989.’
‘The BJP Sikkim Unit remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional protections and national security of Sikkim and urges the Election Commission to take appropriate measures to ensure a fair and meaningful revision of electoral rolls in the state,’ according to Publicity Wing ,BJP Sikkim Unit.
