MP Indra Hang Subba raises demand for Limboo-Tamang seat reservation in Lok Sabha

Bringing long-standing concerns to the national spotlight, Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP Dr. Indra Hang Subba on July 30 raised the critical issue of political representation for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Dr. Subba made an earnest appeal to the Centre to fulfill the long-pending constitutional demand for seat reservations for these two Scheduled Tribe communities.

The Limboo and Tamang communities were officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 2003. However, even after more than two decades, they continue to be denied dedicated representation in the state assembly. This delay, according to Dr. Subba, is not only deeply unjust but also a violation of constitutional provisions designed to safeguard the political rights of marginalized communities.

Dr. Subba referred specifically to Article 371F, which provides special provisions for the State of Sikkim, and Article 332, which deals with reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in legislative assemblies. Despite the recognition of Limboo and Tamang as STs, the Representation of the People Act has yet to be amended to reflect the need for seat reservation. This legal inaction has left these communities politically sidelined for over 20 years.

The Sikkim MP reminded the House that the issue is not merely administrative or political—it is constitutional and moral. “The constitutional rights of the Limboo and Tamang people must not remain on paper,” he said. “It is the duty of the Government of India to ensure that every recognized tribe is granted equitable political participation, in letter and spirit.”

Dr. Subba also stated the urgency of the matter by highlighting the upcoming delimitation exercise, scheduled to be conducted after 2026. He called upon the Union Government to take timely action and incorporate necessary amendments in the Representation of the People Act before the delimitation process begins, so that the legitimate demands of these communities can be addressed without further delay.

The issue of Limboo and Tamang seat reservation has been a matter of public discourse and political advocacy in Sikkim for several years. Successive state governments and various tribal organizations have repeatedly urged the Centre to resolve the matter. However, no conclusive steps have been taken so far, leading to growing discontent among the two communities.