Sikkim Swatantra Dal

Sikkim Swatantra Dal (translation: Sikkim Independence Party) was a political party in Sikkim. The party was founded and led by Namgay Tsering and Kazi Lhendup Dorji.[1][2] The latter served as the president of the party.[3] The party was launched ahead of the November 1958 election, formed after a split from the Sikkim State Congress.[4] The party called for the abolition of the communal electoral system.[5] Kazi Lhendup Dorji contested the November 1958 election, but lost his seat.[5] All in all, Swantantra Dal won a single seat in the election (a Bhutia-Lepcha seat).[4]

Swatantra Dal took part in a conference, together with the Sikkim National Party, Sikkim State Congress and the Scheduled Castes League, held in Melli September 24-25, 1959. The conference demanded a full-fledged responsible government.[5]

In May 1960 Kazi Lhendup Dorji founded a new party, the Sikkim National Congress.[1]

  1. ^ a b Joshi, Hargovind. Sikkim: Past and Present. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 2004. pp. 119-120
  2. ^ Datta-Ray, Sunanda K. Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim. New Delhi: Vikas, 1984. p. 103
  3. ^ Grover, Verinder, and Ranjana Arora. Encyclopaedia of India and Her States. Vol. 2, Documents on India, Her States and Elections. New Delhi [India]: Deep & Deep, 1996. p. 217
  4. ^ a b Grover, B.S.K.. Sikkim and India: storm and consolidation. Jain Bros., 1974. p. 47
  5. ^ a b c Bareh, H. M. Sikkim. New Delhi: Mittal Publ, 2001. pp. 101-102