Gangtok: The Bharatiya Janata Party has formally asked for a Special Intensive Revision of Sikkim’s electoral rolls, invoking Article 371(F) of the Constitution, which grants special protections to the state’s indigenous population.

The party submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer, laying out its legal and constitutional grounds for the demand, BJP spokesperson Sangay Gyatso Bhutia said on Tuesday.

Bhutia said the revision must reflect the provisions of Article 371(F), the Sikkim Citizenship Order Act of 1975, and the Representation of the Sikkim Subject Act of 1974. He said the party views this as essential to safeguarding Sikkim’s identity and the rights of its native residents.

Reaffirming its “Sikkim and Sikkimese first” position, the BJP criticised other political parties for what it described as a troubling silence on the matter. It urged voters to understand the significance of updating the rolls and said it would continue to track the progress of the Special Intensive Revision to ensure the interests of the Sikkimese people are upheld.

Last month, the Election Commission of India announced Special Intensive Revision exercises in 12 states and Union Territories, including four heading for elections next year.