SIKKIM OBSERVER April 9-12, 2014
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Those who love Sikkim will vote for SKM: Golay
“Throw out corrupt and dictatorial regime”
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Gangtok, April 8: In
his final message to the people of Sikkim PS Golay, President of Sikkim
Krantikari Morcha (SKM), has urged the people to save Sikkim from the corrupt
and dictatorial regime of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and vote his party to
power on April 12.
Addressing a meeting at Rongli, east district, this week Golay
said, "People who love Sikkim will vote for SKM on April 12 and throw out
this corrupt and dictatorial regime."
SKM, formed about a year back with its call for parivartan (change), has captured the
imagination of the people, many of whom see a wave in favour of the party.
Significantly, people from all over the State, particularly youngsters, have
been actively engaged in the poll campaign this time as never before.
To crown its efforts to root out communalism, casteism and
corruption and to usher in a new era of real development and real democracy,
two former chief ministers, NB Bhandari and BB Gooroong, have backed SKM.
Bhandari is expected to address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls
at Rongpo, east district, tomorrow.
To ensure that most Sikkimese vote for SKM, 8 minority
Bhutia-Lepcha organizations, including the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee
(SIBLAC), representing their communities have sided with Goley and have urged
all to vote for SKM. As votes of majority Nepalese get split between the two contending
Nepali leaders, Chamling and Golay, votes of the minorities and the business
community are crucial
There is excitement in the air as the people see a huge
opportunity, after 20 long years, to form their own government and save Sikkim
for future generations after Saturday’s elections.
Bhandari backs SKM, to campaign for Parivartan
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Gangtok, April 8: Former three-term chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who earlier
appealed for opposition unity in the State and later announced his retirement
from ‘active politics,’ has backed the
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s demand for change in the former kingdom, which has
been ruled by Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President Pawan Chamling for two decades since 1994.
Bhandari has also agreed to
campaign for SKM to ensure that change comes to Sikkim. Bhandari, who began his
term as chief minister in 1979 and later led the Congress party in the State for ten
years in the opposition (2003-2013), also indicated that he would act as a
‘watchdog’ in State politics after the ensuing polls, slated for April 12.
“The people of Sikkim want
change and our support for SKM is based on people’s wishes. We are also happy
with the pro-Sikkimese manifesto of SKM. The SDF manifesto is nothing but a
repetition of failed promises made in 2009 elections. SDF is fooling people
with its manifesto,” he said.
"Seeing the wave in favour
of change, I decided to leave the field clear. SKM is sure to win minimum 22
seats. It is certain to form the government this time. It is a party of youth,
led by a young leader. Golay is my 'meet bhai'. I wish him well. I ask all my
workers, supporters and well-wishers to vote for SKM and allow the younger
generation to shape a new Sikkim."
During a press conference held here this week, Bhandari
said, “We will support SKM because it is time that this 20 year long corrupt
and casteist government should go”.
Responding to Bhandari’s
timely gesture, SKM President PS Golay said, "Sikkim will not forget
Bhandari's sacrifice. His support will be remembered as a milestone in our
journey towards change."
Bhandari is expected to
address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls in Rongpo, east
district, tomorrow (Apr 9).
Reacting to the new
situation, SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal said, “Bhandari's extending support to
the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has no relevance in this election. He has lost
credibility and even failed to field a single candidate from his party. His
support to any SKM candidate will not affect the SDF party. He is a spent
force.”
Gooroong bats for ‘change’ in Sikkim
Gangtok, April 8: In a surprise move former chief minister BB Gooroong, who is a
former political advisor to
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has lent his weight to Sikkim Krantikari
Morcha’s campaign for change in the State.
“The present election is being fought bitterly
and the ruling party has to accept that the youth leadership has emerged who
are not going to take things lying down. There is frustration among the
educated youths as the government of the day has failed to provide them gainful
employment,” Gooroong said in an exclusive interview to Sikkim Express.
“The emergence of Golay as an
opposition in Sikkim’s politics has given them a new hope and aspirations. What
we see today is an anti-incumbency factor among the people of Sikkim. Yes,
change is inevitable and the political baton should be passed on to the younger
leadership,” Gooroong, also a former Executive Councillor (minister) of the
Chogyal era’s Sikkim Council said.
Give me 10 more years to turn Sikkim into Singapore:
Chamling
Gangtok, April 8: “Give
me 10 years more and I will make Sikkim better than Singapore. Singapore is
Singapore because the Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was given 40 years to rule.
We have done so much for last 20 years, if you give me another 10 years I will
turn Sikkim into Singapore," Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said during his
public meeting here at Syari.
“There were two classes in
Sikkim, the haves and the have-nots. It was only due to the farsighted pro-poor
policies of the SDF government that all
have been able to realize their cherished dreams and aspirations,” Chamling
pointed out and added, “Rich people can do with any kind of government but poor
people need our care. We don’t want poor to be subjugated. We will make them
rich.”
During his
thinly-attended public meeting here at Thakurbari on Saturday Chamling, visibly
annoyed rows of empty chairs in front of him, said ‘Facebook’ politics in the
State would not be able to compete with his party’s twenty-year rule in the
State.
In another public
meeting held here at Burtuk, the SDF chief turned his heat on his rival, Sikkim
Krantikari Morcha President PS Golay. "This jilliganthey (meaning Golay)
is Buddhist by religion however he does not follow Buddhism because his
religion is that of Hitler. Inspite of his efforts this jilliganthey cannot
make any difference to our party because our party will swipe all 32 seats in
the upcoming polls.”
“His party will be defeated badly on April 12 and will be
finished forever.”
Aware of lack of
public participation at the SDF meeting at Thakurbari, a SDF leader is supposed to have ordered, "Go
get some crowds fast. Did you see the photo Talk
Sikkim posted? I don't care from where…just get it. We have to quickly post
a photo too. Chitto!! Get the cyber army ready."
SIBLAC, 7 BL organizations to campaign for SKM
Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and seven other
Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) associations have declared their support for Sikkim
Krantikari Morcha (SKM).
The minority BLs are
convinced that SKM has given a better deal for Sikkim and Sikkimese,
particularly for the minority tribal communities, than the ruling Sikkim
Democratic Front. The promises are reflected in the party manifesto, SIBLAC
chief and former minister Tseten Tashi Bhutia said during a press conference
held here.
Bhutia said for the BLs the
most important promise of the SKM is to abolish the Land Transfer Act of 2005, which
allows companies from outside to take lands of Sikkimese, including Bhutia and
Lepcha communities on lease basis.
“SKM has promised to scrap
hydel power projects being constructed in holy places and has given commitment
to maintain the sanctity of all holy places in Sikkim. They have also promised
to focus on development in North Sikkim and stated that they will form a Dzongu
Development Board,” said Bhutia.
Safeguards for old laws and
protection given to Sikkim under Article 371F of the Constitution are also
other reasons for giving support to the SKM.
SIBLAC chief also pointed out
that BL organizations would now go to the districts to urge people to vote SKM
to power.
Other BL organizations which have opted for SKM are:
National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force
(BLPF), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS),
Save Kabi-Lungstok Committee, Save Sikkim and Monks of Sikkim.
SNPP rejects ‘tribal status’ demand, raises Nepali
Assembly seat issue
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Gangtok, April 8:
The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has rejected the demand for ‘tribal
status’ for the State raised by various parties. Instead, it wants to focus on
the ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’, an identity document of bonafide Sikkimese
belonging to the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese of
Sikkimese origin.
In a press statement, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari has also
emphasized on Assembly seat reservation for Sikkimese Nepalese.
“No political party has talked about seat reservation for
Nepali communities in the state assembly. It is a major concern for the people
of Sikkim,” Adhikari said.
“All parties including SDF have promised to fully protect
Article 371F. Maximum violation of Article 371 has taken under the SDF
government and the party should feel ashamed to say that it will protect
Article 371F. The party has now stopped even including the assurance of a Local
Protection Act in its manifesto,” SNPP release said.
“In the coming elections, Sikkimese should only focus on the
special constitutional provisions guaranteed to us – the Bhutia, Lepchas and
Nepali. No other factor is as important. People must question the candidates
how their parties can restore the violated Old Laws of Sikkim.”
“We don’t agree with the Tribal status for Sikkim that is
being promised by parties. We already have the Sikkim Subject Certificate and
are being given various benefits because of it so there is no need to make
Sikkim a Tribal state,” the release added. (also
see Sikkim Liberation Party on seat issue on page 3)
Ghising comes to Mamata’s rescue, backs Bhaichung
Bhaichung belongs to the
hills: GNLF
Darjeeling, April 8: In a boost to Trinamool Congress candidate Bhaichung
Bhutia's prospects for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, the GNLF on
Friday announced its support for the former Indian soccer captain.
"Bhaichung belongs to
the hills. We are supporting him," the Gorkha National Liberation Front
(GNLF) said in statement issued on behalf of party president Subhas Ghising, The Indian Express reported.
Bhutia is engaged in a tough
fight for the April 17 polls in the constituency against the Gorkha Janmukti
Morcha (GJM)-backed Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Surinder Singh Ahluwalia
and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) candidate Saman Pathak.
The GNLF spearheaded a violent movement in
the 1980s, demanding that a separate state of Gorkhaland be carved out of the
north Bengal hills, leading to the formation of the semi-autonomous development
body Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 1988.
Ghising was the chairman of
the DGHC for two decades. However, he lost his influence in the hills after his
trusted aide Bimal Gurung broke away from the GNLF in 2007 to form the GJM,
which has now taken over the mantle of the Gorkhaland movement.
The GJM forced Ghising to
leave the hills in 2008. He returned before the 2011 assembly polls but went
away again soon after his party received a drubbing in the polls.
Ghising recently returned to
the hills for the Lok Sabha polls. There was much speculation on whether he
would put up a candidate or announce his support for some other party.
Trinamool leader and West
Bengal cabinet minister Gautam Deb welcomed the GNLF's move.
"Bhaichung will win by a
huge margin," said Deb.
Editorial
CHANGE VS CONTINUITY
Change That We Seek
By fielding the ruling party’s old guard
Pawan Chamling may be playing it safe – to avoid further dissidence within the
SDF – and at the same time rewarding loyalty but this move has proved to be a
boon for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), whose campaign for change is led
by a young leader PS Golay and whose followers are mostly youngsters. Those who
were 10 years when Chamling came to power in 1994 are now 30. Another 5 or even
10 years under SDF would be disastrous for Sikkim’s future given the fact that
the people, by and large, have rejected casteist, communal and corrupt
government under one-man rule and one party system. Not being satisfied with
two decades of autocratic rule Chamling now wants 10 more years from the people
to turn Sikkim into Singapore. Sikkim will and should be Sikkim and this is the
will of the people. Sikkim used to be a paradise with beautiful people.
Real democracy must give people a chance to
change things. Any system that fails to do this cannot be following the
democratic process. The change that we believe in and seek is simple: we want
to live in peace and in harmony with each other and nature; we want the rule of
law to govern us and not one-man rule; freedom from fear, end to injustice and
strict adherence to the democratic process in all sphere of life is what the
people want. The change that we seek should also preserve our rich and unique cultural
and natural heritage while safeguarding Sikkim’s special status within the Union. We
gave Chamling a chance to set things right in 1994; give Golay a chance now.
LS seat: SKM’s TN Dhakal to take on ruling party’s PD
Rai
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| TN Dhakal |
Gangtok, April 8:
Tek Nath Dhakal, a retired civil servant, ought to be lucky that got Sikkim
Krantikari Morcha’s ticket to contest the lone Lok Sabha polls. He would be
luckier if he wins. And judging by the winds of change blowing across the State
Dhakal could well be Sikkim’s next MP in the Lok Sabha.
Dhakal, who many a times courted controversy, first came to
limelight in early 1980s when he appeared in the cover of Spotlight of Sikkim, a newsmagazine published by Hill Media
Publications, which also publishes Sikkim
Observer. The issue was ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’ and Dhakal put his
full weight behind it.
The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s PD Rai is likely to
give a tough completion to the SKM nominee. But the anti-incumbency factor and
Rai being renominated again may go in
Dhakal’s favour.
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| PD Rai |
AD Subba also seems to be a lucky man. After he packed up his
Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad and merged it with the Congress he was made its
Working President. When the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee’s President Kunga
Nima Lepcha quit the party to join SKM Subba was made SPCC President. And now
he is contesting the LS polls as Congress candidate.
Subba’s constant engagement with street politics may earn
him some votes but the Congress party’s poll prospects in the State and in the
country is not very encouraging.
 |
| NB Khatiwada |
Former SDF’s Lok
Sabha MP Nakul Rai, who rebelled against the leadership, is TMC’s LS candidate.
TMC being the ruling party in neighbouring West Bengal and given the fact that
the party is trying to make inroads in Darjeeling and Sikkim there is every
possibility of Rai getting some support
in the State.
 |
| Nakul Rai |
Former MLA and
merger veteran Nar Bahadur Khatiwada’s efforts to get elected to the Lok Sabha
from Sikkim or Darjeeling have been futile. The last time he contested the LS seat
in Sikkim he got around 4000 votes only.
But this time its different. Khatiwada is the BJP candidate
and Narendra Modi is all set to become the next Prime Minister of the country.
So hopes are very high for the veteran politician who is yet to be rewarded
politically for his merger moves.
 |
| AD Subba |
And finally, Aam Aadmi Party’s Kaushal Rai, too, is trying
his luck for the lone LS seat. Good luck to him for he needs it to ensure that
his security deposit is not forfeited.
Sikkimese will become minority if Assembly seats not
restored, influx remain unchecked: DN Nepal
Gangtok, April 8:
The Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) has decided to support the NDA. Its Chairman
Duk Nath Nepal is confident that by supporting the NDA Sikkim’s long pending
demand on restoration of Assembly seats for Sikkimese Nepalese would be met.
In a press
statement, Nepal said the Congress party “ditched and hoodwinked” the Sikkimese
people on the Assembly seats issue. Nepal said BJP has always been against
influx of outsiders and “Sikkim has became safe den of migrants and illegal
influx which need to be checked with immediate effect.”
The SLP also believes that the BJP is perhaps the only party
which will be able to rescue the country from “the clutches of near bankruptcy,
acute corruption and soaring inflation.”
Nepal said if Assembly seats , which were abolished
“illegally and unconstitutionally” , were not restored and influx checked, the
ethnic Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities in the State will one day “become minority in their own
land”.
The SLP chief also noted that as the BJP is in favour of
smaller states it would be able to solve the statehood demand of neighbouring
Darjeeling.
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