Congress Protests Dushyant Gautam's Appointment as Sikkim Governor
Congress leaders express outrage over the appointment of Dushyant Gautam, citing his alleged connection to a high-profile murder case.
Dushyant Gautam appointed as Governor of Sikkim amid controversy.
Congress protests, linking Gautam to the Ankita Bhandari murder case.
BJP counters with allegations against Congress leaders over harassment claims.
On October 16, 2023, Dushyant Gautam, a former National General Secretary of the BJP, was appointed as the new Governor of Sikkim. This appointment has sparked significant backlash from the Congress party, which raised concerns regarding Gautam's alleged involvement in the murder case of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old resort receptionist whose body was discovered in a canal in Uttarakhand in September 2022.
The controversy surrounding Gautam's appointment intensified when Congress leaders organized protests, arguing that naming him as Governor is an affront to the sentiments of the people of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal announced a silent protest in Dehradun, claiming that the appointment serves to shield Gautam from legal repercussions, as governors enjoy certain immunities.
In response to the Congress's protests, BJP spokesperson Manveer Singh Chauhan highlighted the allegations against Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam, who faced dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University due to accusations of sexual harassment. Chauhan criticized Congress leaders for their perceived hypocrisy, urging them to address misconduct within their ranks instead of staging protests for political leverage.
The Ankita Bhandari case has drawn national attention, particularly after an FIR was filed against an unidentified VIP in January 2026, suggesting high-level involvement in the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has since taken over the investigation, but Congress leaders argue that progress has stalled, with no FIR filed against the named accused. They contend that appointing Gautam to a constitutional position undermines the ongoing investigation and the quest for justice.
Looking ahead, the political landscape in Uttarakhand may become increasingly contentious as the CBI continues its investigation into the Bhandari case. The Congress party is expected to maintain pressure on the BJP regarding Gautam's appointment, while the BJP will likely defend its choice amidst ongoing allegations against its opponents. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both parties navigate this politically charged environment.
