Sikkimese monarchy referendum, 1975

A referendum on abolishing the monarchy was held in Sikkim on 14 April 1975.[1] It was approved by 97.55% of voters, and resulted in the country becoming an Indian state.

Background

In 1950 Sikkim became a protectorate of India,[1] but remained an independent country.[2] The 1974 general elections resulted in a victory for the India-friendly Sikkim National Congress.[1] The new government sought an increase in civil and political liberties, but was suppressed by the Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal.[3] On 4 July 1974 the Parliament adopted a new constitution that provided for the country becoming a state of India, which the Chogyal signed under pressure from India.[1]

On 4 September 1974, the Indian Lok Sabha voted in favour of making Sikkim an "associate" state, with the Rajya Sabha voting for an amendment on 8 September, giving it a status equal to that of other Indian states and absorbing it in the Indian Union.[4][5] On 8 September 1974 the Chogyal called for a free and fair referendum.[6]

On 5 March 1975 the National Congress repeated its calls for integration into India, whilst the Chogyal again called for a referendum.[1] On 9 April Indian troops invaded the country and disarmed the palace guard while putting the king under house-arrest. On 10 April 1975 the Sikkimese Parliament with the support of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, unanimously voted to abolish the monarchy and merge with India in order to obtain full Indian statehood. A referendum on this issue was set for 14 April.[7]

Results

Choice Votes %
For59,63797.55
Against1,4962.45
Invalid/blank votes –
Total61,133100
Registered voters/turnout97,00063
Source: Direct Democracy

Reactions

Both China and Pakistan called the referendum a farce and a disguise for the forced annexation of the principality, to which Indira Gandhi replied by reminding them of their takeover of Tibet and the issue of Azad Kashmir, which she believed was Indian territory. The Chogyal called the referendum "illegal and unconstitutional".[8][9] In 1978, Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai regretted and criticised the annexation of Sikkim, which led to protests against him.[10]

Officially, the U.S. government viewed the merging of Sikkim into India as a historic and practical inevitability, given the state's location on important trade routes. The Soviet Union responded positively, though with a muted response.[11]

Aftermath

After the declaration of the results, the Kazi cabled the results of the referendum to Indira Gandhi and asked her "to make an immediate response and accept the decision" to which she responded by saying that the Indian government would introduce a constitutional amendment in Parliament that would allow the kingdom to become part of India constitutionally.[12]

The Indian Parliament gave its final approval to the constitutional amendment making Sikkim a state on 26 April 1975.[13] On 15 May 1975 Indian President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed ratified a constitutional amendment that made Sikkim the 22nd state of India and abolished the position of the Chogyal.[14]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Sikkim (India), 14 April 1975: Abolition of the monarchy Direct Democracy (German)
  2. ↑ 25 years after Sikkim Nepali Times, issue 35
  3. ↑ India International Republican Institute
  4. ↑ Lawmakers Vote Sikkim Status of Indian State The Spokesman-Review, 5 September 1974
  5. ↑ Sikkim Bill Ratified New Straits Times, 9 September 1974
  6. ↑ Sikkim Leader Wants Appeal The Montreal Gazette, 9 September 1974
  7. ↑ Sikkim Referendum Slated on Indian Statehood The Lewiston Daily Sun, 11 April 1975
  8. ↑ Sikkim Voters OK Merger With India Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 16 April 1975
  9. ↑ Sikkim Votes On Indian Merger Daytona Beach Morning Journal, 15 April 1975
  10. ↑ Use Tear Gas on Indian Mob Gettysburg Times, 20 March 1978
  11. ↑ SIKKIM: AN HISTORIC PROCESS, BIG PROBLEMS REMAIN US Embassy, New Delhi
  12. ↑ India Slates State Status for Sikkim Toledo Blade, 17 April 1975
  13. ↑ Sikkim annexation OK'd Eugene Register-Guard, 27 April 1975
  14. ↑ Sikkim Annexed, Now Indian State Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 16 May 1975
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