Sikkim’s Journey from Monarchy to Democracy: A People’s Connect Story

ARPAN DARJEE

Sikkim has long stood as one of India’s most peaceful and politically mature states. Since its historic merger with the Indian Union in 1975, the state has moved away from the shadow of monarchy and embraced the ideals of democracy. The transition marked a new beginning under the leadership of Lhendup Dorjee Kazi, Sikkim’s first Chief Minister, who laid the foundation for representative governance in the small Himalayan state.

In the years that followed, the state saw leaders who left distinct imprints on its development. Among them, Nar Bahadur Bhandari remains one of the most revered figures, remembered as the architect of modern Sikkim for his far-reaching reforms and vision for progress. Though two Chief Ministers briefly held office between major administrations, their impact was limited compared to the transformative leaderships that guided the state’s journey.

A defining chapter in this democratic story came under Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served as Chief Minister for a record 25 years, making him one of India’s longest-serving leaders. Chamling’s era was marked by stability, development, and direct engagement with the public. One of his most memorable initiatives was the 31-constituency tour, an ambitious outreach program through which he personally visited every constituency in the state to interact with citizens. As a student during that time, I remember the air of anticipation his visits created. Yet, despite the excitement, time constraints meant not everyone could meet him personally — a reminder of how difficult it was to connect directly with leadership in an earlier era.

Years later, as Sikkim’s democracy evolved, the winds of change blew once more. In 2019, the people handed power to Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as Golay, whose Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party secured a decisive majority with 17 seats. The victory was driven largely by anti-incumbency sentiment, but also by Golay’s humble image and accessibility. His simple nature, habit of sitting among villagers, and willingness to share a meal on the ground with locals resonated deeply with ordinary people across the state.

Fast forward to 2025, Chief Minister Tamang has introduced an initiative that seeks to redefine governance and public communication — the “Connect to CM” scheme. The program enables citizens to reach the Chief Minister’s Office directly through an official helpline and digital communication channels. In a symbolic gesture, Tamang personally received the first call himself, marking a new era of participatory governance and responsive leadership in Sikkim.

The initiative promises several benefits. It breaks down bureaucratic barriers, allowing citizens to communicate grievances and suggestions directly, without navigating layers of administration. It promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring complaints are heard and tracked. The scheme also empowers citizens from even the most remote corners of the state to voice their concerns and provides the government with real-time feedback to shape better policies.

However, as promising as the idea is, challenges remain. The sheer volume of calls could overwhelm the system, and without efficient follow-up mechanisms, genuine grievances may be overlooked. There is a risk of misuse by individuals seeking personal favors or making politically motivated complaints. In Sikkim’s mountainous regions, connectivity issues may prevent some citizens from accessing the service. Over-centralization of governance also poses a risk — if every issue is directed to the Chief Minister’s Office, it could undermine local administrative bodies.

To address these concerns, experts suggest establishing a trained grievance-handling team that can categorize and forward issues to the relevant departments. A dedicated mobile app and online platform could further streamline communication and allow citizens to track complaint status. Regular public reports showing the number of grievances received, resolved, and pending would enhance transparency. Empowering local governance units to resolve smaller issues before escalation could also make the system more efficient and responsive.

From Lhendup Dorjee Kazi’s pioneering leadership to Nar Bahadur Bhandari’s modernization drive, from Pawan Kumar Chamling’s 31-constituency outreach to Prem Singh Tamang’s Connect to CM digital initiative, Sikkim’s political journey is a testament to evolving democracy and growing citizen participation. This latest initiative is more than a governance reform — it represents a continuation of Sikkim’s long tradition of connecting leadership with its people.

If implemented with accountability, inclusivity, and technological strength, Connect to CM could serve as a model for other states — a reflection of what happens when government truly listens, and people truly believe in the promise of democracy.