Sikkim CM and BJP condemn 'The Hindu’s' omission of Sikkim on map as insult to statehood

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim unit have both condemned a grave error in The Hindu newspaper. On May 13, 2025, the national daily published a map of India that shockingly omitted the state of Sikkim, a mistake that has left the people of Sikkim deeply hurt and offended. This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Sikkim is set to celebrate 50 years of its statehood on May 16, 2025.

On May 14, Sikkim's Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang took to facebook and expressed his strong disapproval of the omission, calling it a serious and unacceptable error. "It has come to my attention that The Hindu, in its edition dated May 13, published a map of India omitting the state of Sikkim," said Tamang. "This is not a mere oversight, it is a serious and unacceptable error that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation."

The Chief Minister continued to say that such misrepresentations are particularly hurtful to the people of Sikkim, given the significance of the year 2025. "At a time when we are celebrating 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, such a misrepresentation is deeply hurtful to the people of Sikkim and an affront to the unity of our Republic," Tamang added. He further said that Sikkim is an integral part of India, with its status safeguarded under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution, which grants special protections to the state.

Tamang’s statement also urged media organizations, particularly respected publications like The Hindu, to be more vigilant and responsible in their portrayal of national integrity. "The Hindu and all media organisations bear a serious responsibility in portraying the country accurately and respectfully," he said. "We demand an immediate rectification of this mistake and a public apology for the harm caused."

Following the outrage over the omission, the Sikkim BJP State Unit also voiced its condemnation in the strongest terms. The party issued a statement expressing deep concern over what it called an "irresponsible and insensitive act" by the national daily. "The Bharatiya Janata Party, Sikkim State Unit, expresses its deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the irresponsible and insensitive act committed by The Hindu," read the statement.

The BJP was quick to point out that the omission of Sikkim from the map was not simply a cartographic error, but a serious affront to the territorial integrity of India. "This grave error is not merely a cartographic oversight but a blatant affront to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of India," the BJP’s statement noted. The party also reminded the publication that Sikkim’s identity is legally protected under Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which ensures that the state’s distinct status and autonomy are maintained.

BJP Sikkim further called for an immediate apology from The Hindu's editorial board, demanding a public acknowledgment of the mistake and a correction of the map in future editions. The party also urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take action against the publication for this serious lapse. "We further urge the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to take cognizance of this matter and initiate appropriate action against the publication for this irresponsible act," the BJP said.

The BJP said that this careless omission reflects a dangerous disregard for the feelings and rights of the people of Sikkim. "Such careless representation by a reputed national daily reflects a dangerous disregard for the sentiments and rights of the people of Sikkim," said Niren Bhandari, the media in-charge of BJP Sikkim. "We remind The Hindu and all media organizations of their solemn responsibility to uphold national unity, constitutional integrity and journalistic accountability."

The omission of Sikkim from the national map did not go unnoticed by the public. Many readers, both from Sikkim and across the country, expressed their shock and disappointment on social media platforms and news forums. The mistake became a trending topic, with citizens of Sikkim voicing their anger at what they saw as an insult to their state's dignity. For many, the timing of the error could not have been worse, as it came just days before the state was set to commemorate its 50 years of integration with the Indian Union.

Sikkim was formally merged into India on May 16, 1975, after a historic referendum in which the people of Sikkim voted to join the Indian Union. Since then, the state has been an integral part of the country, contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of India. For the people of Sikkim, this incident has been a painful reminder of how easily their state can be overlooked by mainstream media outlets.

As Sikkim prepares to celebrate five decades of statehood, this oversight has prompted a broader conversation about the state's place in India’s political and cultural landscape. Sikkim’s statehood was a significant milestone in the history of post-independence India. The state's merger with India in 1975 was the result of a peaceful referendum, marking the end of Sikkim's status as a monarchy and its full integration into the Indian Union.

Article 371F of the Indian Constitution was specifically drafted to protect Sikkim’s unique status, ensuring that the state has special provisions in areas such as land rights, governance, and employment. Sikkim is also known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity, making it an important part of India’s identity.

Both Sikkim's Chief Minister and the BJP have called for greater accountability from media organizations, urging them to be more mindful of the impact of such mistakes. "The people of Sikkim will not tolerate being rendered invisible or disrespected in any manner," BJP Sikkim’s statement read. "BJP Sikkim stands firmly in defense of the state's honor and will continue to resist any attempt—deliberate or otherwise—to undermine its rightful place within the Indian Union."