Gangtok, May 02: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has described the ruckus over delimitation of assembly constituencies in the state as 'unnecessary'. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of May Day at Jorethang in south Sikkim yesterday, the Chief Minister attributed the ruckus over delimitation in the state to the popular notion that delimitation and reservation of assembly seats were interrelated issues.

He, however, said the Union cabinet's decision to carry out delimitation on the basis of the 2001 census would now take more time to complete the exercise and would temporarily pacify the flared tempers among different communities in the state. He said since delimitation exercise would now take more time than expected, the next assembly elections in the state were likely to be held on the basis of the earlier delimitation.

Apprehensive that their political rights might suffer following delimitation, major ethnic groups of the state including Bhutias, Lepchas, Limboos and Tamangs under different banners have been suggesting their own methods to the Delimitation Commission to conduct the exercise. Bureau Report