Sikkim Politics

Sikkim politics started to follow the democratic system laid down by the Indian constitution after the abolition of the monarchy in 1975, following the common will of the inhabitants. Many major political parties participate in the politics of Sikkim. Although, it has been often observed that individuals more than parties dominate Sikkim politics, yet the political parties try to maintain a strong organizational infrastructure.

The Framework of Sikkim Politics

The legislature of the Sikkim government has 32 assembly seats. One seat is reserved for the Sangha, the Buddhist representative - continuing with the tradition of the strong presence of the Buddhist theologians in Sikkim politics, right from the early days. The other 31 assembly constituencies are spread over the four districts of the state, form the very backbone of Sikkim politics. Sikkim has one representative each in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the Lower and the Upper Houses of bicameral Indian legislative structure. The executive works with a council of ministers working under the able supervision of the chief minister.

Political Parties in Sikkim Politics

Politics in Sikkim is dominated by the personal charisma of the certain leaders in the state, who have guided the proceedings of the state's governance right from the moment of its inception. It has not been rare in Sikkim politics, to see that the success of a particular party rests solely on the popularity of some of its leader. There are certain ethnic and religious considerations that play their part in determining the course of the politics at Sikkim. The immense popularity of Nar Bahadur Bhandari is a case in the point. However, the situation has changed in the recent times. The political parties are moving towards strengthening their organizational strength. The dominance of the state level and regional political parties is also a notable feature of Sikkim politics.