Former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling launched a fierce critique of Sikkim’s current government during the 33rd Kranti Diwas celebrations, claiming widespread corruption has consumed 70% of the state’s budget and asserting that criminal elements have infiltrated the political landscape. During his address to a large audience, the leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) stated that greed has become the greatest threat to the state. He accused government officials of being directly involved in drug trafficking while ignoring rising crime rates, including murders and suicides.
“Who is the real threat to our Sikkim? It is this very greed,” Chamling declared. He accused the ruling party of turning governance into a profit-driven venture that serves only the wealthy, while ordinary citizens are left behind. Chamling, who served as chief minister for 25 years, portrayed a dire picture of Sikkim’s current state, warning that criminal elements have taken control of political structures. He noted that even Sikkim’s special constitutional protections established during its merger with India are now at risk.
“Politics has been criminalized. There are murders, suicides, crimes, and the government is silent,” Chamling lamented. “When government men are drug dealers, how can the government fight drugs?” This statement drew strong reactions from the crowd, highlighting the urgency of his concerns. He emphasized that the drug crisis is a direct assault on Sikkimese society, claiming high-ranking officials are complicit in narcotics trafficking. Chamling asserted that the state government lacks the credibility to combat the drug issue when its own representatives are allegedly part of it.
He also addressed the growing sense of alienation among native Sikkimese people, who feel like outsiders in their own land. “Our rights are being crushed. Peace is being snatched away,” he said, reflecting on what he describes as the systematic erosion of local protections. Chamling’s economic allegations painted a stark picture, claiming that corruption has left the state with “no white money left-only black money,” arguing that this financial mismanagement has stifled development efforts.
“Kranti Diwas is not just a day of remembrance; it is a reminder of a revolution led by the people, for the people, with the people,” he reminded attendees before launching into his contemporary critiques. He stirred controversy by comparing the ruling party’s tactics to “Hitler’s ideology,” a statement likely to spark significant political debate in the coming days.
Beyond his criticisms, Chamling articulated his vision for Sikkim’s future, advocating for a knowledge-based society centered on green living and wellness tourism. He expressed confidence that Sikkim could lead on these fronts globally and perhaps even top international happiness rankings. He called for an immediate establishment of a joint ministerial platform to evaluate the state’s condition and urged citizens to reject parties that “jump from one ideology to another for personal gain.”
“This government is not for the people. It is a party government that works only for itself,” Chamling insisted, challenging voters to support only those committed to truth and integrity. In conclusion, he appealed for unity and reminded supporters of the progress made during his party’s tenure. “We built Sikkim with love. Let us not lose what we built. Let’s unite. Let’s act. Let’s rebuild,” he urged.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sdf-leader-accuses-sikkim-government-of-corruption-at-kranti-diwas-rally-1233012-2025-06-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-06-22 18:50:00
