Rahul Gandhi, the opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, sent a formal letter to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, demanding that the central government reconsider appointing Dushyant Gautam as Governor of Sikkim.
The appeal hinges on the unresolved 2022 murder of 19‑year‑old receptionist Ankita Bhandari, whose death has spurred accusations that Gautam may have ties to the case. Gandhi highlighted that four years after the killing, the identity of the alleged VIP remains unknown, calling the CBI’s progress sluggish.
He further argued that the appointment reflects the Modi government’s indifference to women’s safety, noting that if Gautam takes office, no criminal proceedings can be initiated against him. The family of Bhandari maintains that the governor is connected to the murder, adding emotional weight to the opposition’s plea.
The President is reportedly reviewing the request, while Congress continues to pressure the government; a decision on Gautam’s assumption of office is expected within the next week.