Ex-Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling Insists He’s Still Active in Politics, Cuts Down at SKM’s Performance
Former Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President and ex-Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has reiterated that he has not retired from politics and remains the “final hope” for the people of Sikkim to achieve justice, security, and dignity. Addressing the 33rd SDF Foundation Day programme at the party’s headquarters, Chamling, who has been away from the public eye since the 2024 Assembly elections, accused the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government of mismanaging the state’s economy, financial, tourism, and growth sectors.
Chamling claimed that Sikkim was leading the nation in tourism, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, peace, and development during the 25 years of SDF rule. He contrasted this with the current state of affairs under the SKM government, which he alleged has led to a decline in the state’s economy, with people struggling to make ends meet. “Sikkim had peace, law and order, a strong economy, development, and innovative schemes,” Chamling said. “However, people these days say there is no money flowing in the villages, shops are not getting business, land value has regressed, and hotels are not running.”
The ex-Chief Minister criticized the SKM government for presenting annual deficit budgets since 2019, with the total cumulative amount reaching Rs. 70,000 crore. He also pointed out that the government has taken loans worth Rs. 35,000 crore, which the people of Sikkim have to pay. “It’s imperative we find out how and where they spent such a huge amount, as it is the people of Sikkim who have to pay the loan amount of Rs. 35,000 crore,” Chamling said.
Chamling also highlighted the deterioration in the public healthcare system, stating that patients have to purchase medical items in government hospitals. He alleged that the Health department is, de-facto, run by the Chief Minister’s son. Moreover, he questioned the SKM’s promise to deliver Limboo-Tamang Assembly seats and tribal status for left-out communities, stating that the SDF had prepared and submitted a formula to the Centre for Limboo-Tamang seat reservation during its tenure.
In his address, Chamling urged SDF workers to be fearless in fighting against those who are looting and destroying Sikkim and its people. He called upon the party to accept its electoral defeats in 2019 and 2024 and move ahead with new zeal by staying connected with the people. “We must reach out to them, politics is not easy, and people need to see our sacrifice, character, and courage,” he said.
The SDF president’s address has added to the ongoing political wrangling in Sikkim, with the SKM government struggling to contain the fallout from various issues, including the state’s economic downturn and allegations of mismanagement. As the battle for political supremacy intensifies, Chamling’s determination to remain in the political fray has set the stage for a fierce competition in the future, with the stakes high for the people of Sikkim.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/have-not-left-the-field-still-in-politics-chamling
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