Dushyant Kumar Gautam was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Sikkim during a ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Gangtok on Monday. This event took place against a backdrop of ongoing protests related to his appointment, particularly concerning the Ankita Bhandari case. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque of the Sikkim High Court.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, along with members of the Council of Ministers, the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, judges from the High Court, Lok Sabha MP, MLAs, and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony. Following the oath-taking, the Chief Minister introduced various officials and dignitaries to the newly appointed Governor.

In a formal gesture, the newly sworn-in Governor was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Sikkim Armed Police. This traditional display marked the beginning of his tenure as the state’s Governor.

Appointment and Background

Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Governor was made by President Droupadi Murmu on October 12, 2026. He succeeds Om Prakash Mathur, who previously held the position. Gautam’s political background includes being a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has drawn attention amid the ongoing protests in the state.

The protests have been largely peaceful, with citizens and youths without political affiliations gathering at the District Administrative Centre in Gangtok. They have expressed their opposition to Gautam’s appointment, citing concerns over the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry related to the alleged VIP involvement in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.

Protestors have called for the Central Government to postpone Gautam’s appointment until the investigation is concluded. They argue that the ongoing inquiry raises significant questions regarding the appropriateness of his role as Governor during such a sensitive time.

Public Reaction and Context

The public’s response to Gautam’s appointment has been marked by a mix of concern and apprehension. Many citizens feel that the ongoing investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case should take precedence over political appointments. The case, which has garnered considerable media attention, involves serious allegations and has raised questions about accountability and governance.

As the protests continue, the situation remains fluid, with various groups expressing their views on the implications of Gautam’s appointment. The protestors have emphasised the need for transparency and justice, particularly in light of the serious allegations surrounding the case.

In conclusion, Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s swearing-in as Governor of Sikkim occurs in a charged atmosphere, marked by public dissent and calls for accountability. The coming weeks may prove crucial in determining how the state government responds to the ongoing protests and the broader implications for governance in Sikkim.

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