Outrage in Sikkim as Congress MP labels state a ‘neighbouring country'

A political storm has erupted after senior Congress leader and MP Dr. Ajoy Kumar referred to Sikkim as a "neighbouring country" during a press conference held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi on July 1. The remark, made at a time when the people of Sikkim are proudly celebrating the 50th anniversary of their state's integration with India, has drawn sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum with many calling it an “insult” to the people of the Northeast.

Sikkim’s lone MP Indra Hang Subba was among the first to react, issuing a strong statement condemning Dr. Kumar’s words. “I strongly condemn the irresponsible and insulting remark made by Congress MP Dr. Ajoy Kumar comparing Sikkim to other neighbouring countries,” Subba said. “This is a grave affront to the people of Sikkim, who have always stood with unwavering loyalty to the nation.”

Adding to the criticism, Sikkim’s Rajya Sabha MP DT Lepcha called the statement “unfortunate and unacceptable.” Niren Bhandari, BJP Sikkim Media In-Charge, said the remark was a “serious insult” to the people of Sikkim and questioned how such a senior leader could make such a basic mistake about Indian geography.

He further demanded an immediate apology from the Congress leadership, stating, “Such divisive rhetoric reflects a deep ignorance of our constitutional integration and disrespects the proud identity of the Northeast. We will not tolerate any attempt to question our belonging to this great nation. Jai Hind. Jai Sikkim.”

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, a BJP Member of Parliament and National Spokesperson of the party, also issued a fiery response. Speaking on July 2, Bista said the statement was not just “factually incorrect” but also a “grave insult” to Sikkim and its people. “This is not a slip of the tongue,” Bista said. “It shows either deep ignorance or a deliberate attempt to provoke.”

He pointed out that Sikkim joined the Indian Union in 1975, and the timing of the remark—just as the state marks 50 years of statehood—makes it even more hurtful. “Calling Sikkim a ‘neighbouring country’ is not just wrong—it is an attack on the identity of every Sikkimese who proudly calls themselves Indian,” he said.

Bista went further, suggesting that the remark may be part of a larger pattern within the Congress party. “Why do Congress leaders repeatedly make comments that undermine India’s territorial integrity?” he asked, referencing the Congress’ past controversial agreements with foreign entities. “Is this political desperation, or is it linked to the MoU Congress signed with the Communist Party of China?”

Niren Bhandari, the Media In-Charge of BJP Sikkim, echoed similar sentiments. He stated, “We all know that Sikkim is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its merger with India—a proud moment of its integration with the country. At such a time, for a spokesperson of the oldest political party in the country to make such a statement is extremely serious and unfortunate.”

Bhandari added that it was especially regretful that the remark came from a former IPS officer and Member of Parliament. “I believe people should have a proper understanding of India and its geography, and such spokespersons should be shown the door by the party. I expect that Congress leaders will immediately offer an unconditional apology to the people of Sikkim. Jai Hind.”

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Sikkim also issued a sharp rebuke. The youth wing accused Dr. Ajoy Kumar of likening Sikkim to Pakistan, a claim based on statements posted on the official social media page of the Indian National Congress. Lalit Pokhrel Sharma, BJYM Sikkim Incharge, said, “Such statements are not just misleading—they disrespect the sentiments and sacrifices of the Sikkimese people.”

The BJYM labelled the Congress’ remark as reflective of a “cheap mentality” and accused the party of repeatedly alienating the Northeast. “Seven sisters have their guardian brother (Sikkim) haunted yet again. This statement reflects the true mindset of Congress leadership,” their statement read.

BJYM also urged people across the country, especially in the Northeast, to unite and reject such divisive politics. “We must all come together to uphold national integrity. Divisive rhetoric has no place in our democracy,” Sharma said.

Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, also reacted sharply. “Such a lack of knowledge about Sikkim, its geography, and its history from a national party spokesperson is deeply unfortunate,” he said. “The statement has hurt the sentiments of Sikkimese citizens.”

Adding to the growing condemnation, Jacob Khaling, spokesperson of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party, issued a strong statement on behalf of the party and the people of Sikkim.

“On behalf of the people of Sikkim and the SKM party, I vehemently condemn the recent irresponsible and misleading statements made by Congress MP Dr. Ajoy Kumar during a press address. His comparison of Sikkim to neighbouring countries is factually incorrect, deeply offensive, and misleads the public. Such remarks from a person in a responsible position are not only unacceptable but also border on anti-national, as they question the sovereignty of an Indian state. This is a grave insult to the people of Sikkim, who have always demonstrated unwavering loyalty and pride in being an integral part of India. Such divisive rhetoric betrays a profound ignorance of Sikkim’s constitutional integration and disrespects the proud identity of the Northeast.”

Jacob Khaling further said that while Dr. Kumar has issued an apology calling it a “slip of the tongue,” the matter is too serious to be taken lightly. “This is not a mere slip of the tongue—it is a serious blunder. He must take full responsibility and correct his stance unequivocally. We stand united in defense of Sikkim’s honor and India’s sovereignty. Jai Hind! Jai Sikkim!”

Citizen Action Party General Secretary Prakash Parajuli echoed similar sentiments. “Despite being fully committed and loyal to India, the people of Sikkim have been wronged by such a statement. Sikkim is now an inseparable part of the Republic of India,” he said, demanding public apologies from both Dr. Kumar and the Congress party.

In response to the widespread outrage, Dr. Ajoy Kumar issued a clarification and apology, saying the mention of Sikkim was unintentional. “During my press conference yesterday, while I was speaking about the deteriorating relations with our neighbouring countries, I accidentally mentioned the name of a state,” he said. “I sincerely apologize for that, as it was an unintentional human error (a slip of the tongue).”

However, Dr. Kumar also used the opportunity to redirect attention to other issues he raised during the same press conference. “I’ve heard that BJP is going to hold a press conference over this mistake,” he said. “Why don’t they hold a press conference on the atrocities taking place in this ‘Amrit Kaal’? Why not speak about the ₹400 crore scam in SAIL, or the BJP MLAs who assaulted an SDM and a passenger on a Vande Bharat train?”

Despite the apology, the matter has only grown more sensitive, especially in the context of Sikkim’s 50th year of statehood, when sentiments around identity, belonging, and national pride are at an all-time high.