Sikkim/Alive News: Dushyant Kumar Gautam was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Sikkim at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Gangtok on Monday. His appointment comes amid protests in the state over his alleged connection to the controversy surrounding the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.
Sikkim High Court Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque administered the oath of office and secrecy. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, members of the state Cabinet, the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, High Court judges, MPs, MLAs and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
After the oath-taking, Chief Minister Tamang introduced the newly appointed Governor to the public representatives and other dignitaries present. Gautam was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Sikkim Armed Police.
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Gautam as Sikkim Governor on October 12, 2026. He succeeds Om Prakash Mathur in the post.
Protests Over Governor’s Appointment
Gautam’s appointment has faced opposition in Sikkim. Last week, a group of young people and citizens without political affiliations held a peaceful sit-in protest at the District Administrative Centre in Gangtok.
The protesters demanded that the central government defer his appointment until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) completes its investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.
The controversy relates to allegations surrounding the case and the demand for an investigation into the possible involvement of influential individuals. The protesters have called for the appointment to be reconsidered until the investigation is completed.
The swearing-in ceremony took place despite the protests, and Gautam formally assumed office as Sikkim’s new Governor.
