Sikkim Governor Dushyant Gautam's appointment sparks controversy

The appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the new Governor of Sikkim has triggered significant political opposition and protests. Gautam, a former BJP national general secretary, was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12, succeeding Om Prakash Mathur.

Opposition parties, including the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and the Congress, have demanded his removal. The controversy stems from allegations linking Gautam to the 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari, a hotel receptionist in Uttarakhand. Critics allege he was a “VIP” who sought favors from Bhandari prior to her death. The SDF has characterized the appointment as an “insult” to the women of Sikkim, while the Congress staged protests in Gangtok demanding his recall until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concludes its probe into the case.

Bhandari’s family has sought transparency regarding the investigation, requesting the disclosure of specific location details and call records. While the CBI has assured the family that the investigation will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, the political tension in Sikkim remains high as the Governor-designate prepares for his swearing-in ceremony.