The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson, MK Subba, has called for Chief Minister P.S. Golay to resign as a sign of protest over the redefinition of Sikkimese identity. The SDF spokesperson has alleged that the Income Tax Act 1961 amendment under the newly notified Finance Act 2023 has caused irreversible damage to Sikkim.
Mr. Subba has expressed concern that the amendment has violated ‘Sikkimese’ identity and imperiled Article 371F. The amendment had been passed by Parliament this week and notified as an Act on March 31, which has led to opposition parties mounting criticism against the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government.
The February 9 Assembly session had passed a government resolution seeking that the distinct identity of Sikkimese in terms of Article 371F and special status given to the Sikkimese at the time of merger be protected and maintained by the Government of India. However, the SDF has alleged that the SKM government did not make any moves to prevent the passing of the amendment.
The spokesperson has claimed that the government knew that the Finance Bill 2023 with the expansion of Sikkimese definition was coming in the Parliament, but they did not take any steps to prevent it. The spokesperson has accused the SKM government of being involved and responsible for the amendment.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 03/04/23