In a stirring display of opposition fervor, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) launched a scathing assault on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Addressing a gathered crowd spanning Gangtok, Tadong, Upper Burtuk, Shyari, and Arithang constituencies, Pawan Chamling, the stalwart leader of SDF, delivered a blistering critique of SKM’s governance, accusing them of plunging the state into chaos and undermining democratic principles. Chamling didn’t mince words, lambasting Tamang and his administration for what he deemed political vindictiveness and totalitarian leanings. “Prem Singh Tamang has lost his bearings,” Chamling declared, eliciting gasps from the audience. “The practice of doling out government jobs based solely on political allegiance is not just an assault on democracy but also a grave injustice to the people of Sikkim.”
Describing the current state of Sikkim as rife with fear, intimidation, and economic instability, Chamling recounted numerous instances of alleged harassment and violence by SKM cadres against opposition members, citing these as evidence of SKM’s authoritarian rule. “SKM has instilled fear across the state,” Chamling charged. “They’ve quashed dissent, stifled opposition, and trampled upon the rights of our citizens. Sikkim, once a bastion of democracy, now teeters on the precipice of tyranny.”
Despite the bleak picture painted by Chamling, he offered a beacon of hope and renewal, outlining SDF’s vision for a brighter future for Sikkim. At the heart of this vision lies a pledge to empower the youth, whom Chamling views as the architects of Sikkim’s future. “We are the new face of SDF,” Chamling asserted. “A party by the youth, for the youth, and with the youth. Our policies will revolve around the aspirations and dreams of our young populace.”
Chamling unveiled an audacious plan: a Rs 10,000 crore mega-employment scheme aimed at providing meaningful employment opportunities to Sikkim’s youth. The scheme, he explained, would foster entrepreneurship and innovation, with a keen focus on creating job avenues in both public and private sectors. “We don’t want our youth to be mere employees,” Chamling emphasized. “We want them to be job creators, shaping their own destiny. With the right support and encouragement, our youth can metamorphose Sikkim into a hub of innovation and enterprise.”
