Sikkim’s Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has accused former footballer and politician Bhaichung Bhutia of orchestrating the creation of an illegal voter list. Tamang firmly stated that his government had no part in the alleged fabrication and emphasized the exclusive voting rights of genuine Sikkimese citizens aged 18 and above.
Tamang launched a scathing critique of Bhutia’s electoral history, highlighting multiple defeats in various constituencies. From unsuccessful bids in the 2019 general elections to a recent setback in a Gangtok bye-election, Tamang questioned the reliability of Bhutia’s political ambitions. While acknowledging Bhutia’s contributions to sports infrastructure, including the completion of the ‘Bhaichung Stadium,’ a project left unfinished by the previous administration, Tamang expressed disappointment over Bhutia’s opposition to initiatives like the Sikkim Premier League aimed at nurturing local football talent. Tamang also highlighted Bhutia’s past criticisms of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and its leader, Pawan Chamling, suggesting inconsistency in Bhutia’s political pursuits.
Additionally, Tamang announced plans to create 20,000 job positions under the ‘One Family, One Job’ scheme, emphasizing the need for economic empowerment. He assured that vacant positions in various government departments would be identified and regularized, with an official memorandum expected by the end of February.
