Sikkim, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has a political history as diverse as its picturesque landscapes. Since its merger with India in 1974, the state has seen a succession of leaders steering its political course. Here, we delve into the annals of Sikkim’s political past, chronicling the former Chief Ministers who have shaped its journey from the mid-20th century to the present day.
Over the span of five decades starting from 1974, Sikkim has seen five Chief Ministers hailing from different political affiliations. Kazi Lhendup Dorjee initiated this series in May 1975 representing the INC Party, while the current Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, assumed office in May 2019 from the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Party. Pawan Kumar Chamling, of the Sikkim Democratic Front, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Minister, having governed from 1994 to 2019. Sikkim has also witnessed two instances of President’s rule amidst the dominance of major ruling parties such as the Sikkim Democratic Front, Sikkim Sangram Parishad, and INC.
Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, an Indian statesman, held the distinction of being Sikkim’s premier Chief Minister from 1975 to 1979, post its merger with India. As the inaugural leader during this transformative period, Dorjee skillfully steered Sikkim through the intricate dynamics of its newfound relationship with the Indian Union. His tenure epitomized a crucial juncture in Sikkim’s history, marked by the navigation of political intricacies and the forging of a new identity within the larger Indian framework.
Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as P. S. Golay, is an Indian politician and ex-educator, presently holding office as the 6th Chief Minister of Sikkim since 2019. He founded and leads the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, spearheading a new political narrative in the region. Golay’s tenure reflects a blend of administrative experience and grassroots activism, aimed at driving progressive change and addressing the diverse needs of Sikkim’s populace.
Pawan Kumar Chamling, representing the Sikkim Democratic Front, holds the notable title of the longest-serving Chief Minister, leading from 1994 to 2019. His enduring tenure epitomizes a period of stability and development in Sikkim’s political landscape. Chamling’s leadership legacy is marked by socio-economic progress, infrastructural advancements, and a deep commitment to the welfare of Sikkim’s citizens, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the state’s history.
Bhim Bahadur Gurung, the third Chief Minister of Sikkim, had the briefest tenure in the state’s history, serving from May 11 to May 24, 1984. Despite his short term, Gurung’s leadership briefly shaped Sikkim’s trajectory. His legacy underscores the challenges and dynamics of governance within the region, highlighting the importance of stability and continuity in Sikkim’s political landscape.
Over the span of five decades starting from 1974, Sikkim has seen five Chief Ministers hailing from different political affiliations. Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Sikkim from 1974 to 2024:
| Former Chief Ministers of Sikkim | |||
| S. No. | Name | From | To |
| 1. | Kazi Lhendup Dorjee | 16 May 1975 | 18 Aug 1979 |
| 2. | President’s Rule | 18 Aug 1979 | 18 Oct 1979 |
| 3. | Nar Bahadur Bhandari | 18 Oct 1979 | 11 May 1984 |
| 4. | B. B. Gurung | 11 May 1984 | 25 May 1984 |
| 5. | President’s Rule | 25 May 1984 | 08 Mar 1985 |
| 6. | Nar Bahadur Bhandari | 08 Mar 1985 | 30 Nov 1989 |
| 7. | Nar Bahadur Bhandari | 30 Nov 1989 | 17 Jun 1994 |
| 8. | Sanchaman Limboo | 17 Jun 1994 | 12 Dec 1994 |
| 9. | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 12 Dec 1994 | 01 Oct 1999 |
| 10. | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 01 Oct 1999 | 21 May 2004 |
| 11. | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 21 May 2004 | 20 May 2009 |
| 12. | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 20 May 2009 | 21 May 2014 |
| 13. | Pawan Kumar Chamling | 21 May 2014 | 27 May 2019 |
| 14. | Prem Singh Tamang | 27 May 2019 | Incumbent |
Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, an Indian statesman, held the distinction of being Sikkim's premier Chief Minister from 1975 to 1979, post its merger with India.
Prem Singh Tamang, popularly known as P. S. Golay, is an Indian politician and ex-educator, presently holding office as the 6th Chief Minister of Sikkim since 2019.
Pawan Kumar Chamling, representing the Sikkim Democratic Front, holds the notable title of the longest-serving Chief Minister, leading from 1994 to 2019.
Bhim Bahadur Gurung, the third Chief Minister of Sikkim, had the briefest tenure in the state's history, serving from May 11 to May 24, 1984.
From the sprawling plains of the Midwest to the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific, the…
The Indian political landscape has lost a seasoned leader with the passing of V. Srinivas…
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that India will host the prestigious 2025 BWF…
In the mosaic of American cities, certain urban centers stand out as bastions of liberal…
In a remarkable achievement, ICICI Bank has etched its name among India's top five companies…
The Government of India has introduced a Floating Rate Bond (FRB) maturing in 2034, with…