Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday (October 15, 2026) wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to ask the Centre to reconsider Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor until the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged ‘VIP’ angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder in Uttarakhand is completed.
Mr. He argued that the appointment could complicate efforts to establish accountability in the case. Because article 361 of the Constitution provides immunity to the President and Governors from criminal proceedings while they hold office, gandhi said the appointment raised concerns.
“Such treatment of parents who have already lost their daughter is utterly shameful and reprehensible. “I know that Governors are appointed on the advice of the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister. PM Modi has proved his utter disregard for women’s safety by advising Mr. Gautam’s appointment. That is why I write to you, as a last resort,” Mr. Gandhi wrote. Congress leaders alleged that the protesters were manhandled and condemned the police action. He questioned the appointment of a BJP leader as Governor while the family continued to seek answers in the case.
However, by long convention, the President has the right to warn the government, and Article 74(1) gives you the power to ask for advice to be reconsidered.
Police said the protesters were asked to vacate the India Gate premises, a “vital installation”, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. ALSO WATCH Watch: Ankita murder case: Parents threaten nationwide protests over Gautam’s appointment as Governor Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the detention of Ankita’s parents, describing it as the “pinnacle of the Modi government’s cowardice and insensitivity”. The Congress Party will continue to fight to ensure justice for daughter Ankita,” he said.
