Authors:
KR Chakravarthi and YP Nepal
Price: Rs.499/-
I normally do not write book reviews. But this book was something special. One, I had been requested by one of the authors Dr. KR Chakravarthi who had been my colleague at Nar Bahadur Bhandari Government College (Then Sikkim Government College) and had a long association with him, and two, I was once consulted when the book was being conceived a few years back.
The new book "Emergence and Continuity of Democracy in Sikkim" is a meticulously researched book that delves into the political evolution of Sikkim from a monarchy to a democratic state from 1947 to 2023. The authors Dr. KR Chakravarthi and Dr. YP Nepal present a detailed and enriched account of all the major democratic processes with facts and figures, providing a comprehensive account of the electoral processes and governance reforms that have shaped modern Sikkim.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its methodical approach to chronicling the various elections held in Sikkim. The author offers an in-depth analysis of electoral data, illustrating the changing political landscape over the years. This data-driven perspective helps readers understand the factors influencing electoral outcomes and the dynamics of political competition in Sikkim.
The book also explores the broader context of Sikkim’s integration into India, highlighting the political challenges faced during this transition. The narrative is enriched with accounts of the major electoral years and examines the role of key political players and parties political players and parties who participated in these historical events, shedding light on their contributions to the democratization process and adding a first-person account to the political discourse.
The authors’ attention to detail is evident in the discussion of governance issues like delimitation exercises and the importance of Art.371F. The book scrutinizes the political reforms and policy measures implemented to strengthen democratic institutions and promote development. It also addresses the challenges of governance in a state characterized by its unique geographic and cultural context.
As the book is thorough and informative, it may be a handy reference for researchers and scholars and also aspirants of various competitive examinations held in Sikkim.
"Emergence and Continuity of Democracy in Sikkim" is a commendable work that offers a detailed and nuanced understanding of Sikkim’s journey towards democracy and the establishment of democratic institutions. Its rich factual content and analytical depth make it an essential read in a nutshell for anyone interested in the political development of this Himalayan state.
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