Opposition gearing up in Sikkim against SDF

Elections may still be some distance away in Sikkim, but the Himalayan state's political parties have increased their activities with one target in sight, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front. The Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad for instance has accelerated its political process in the rural areas to increase its support base. “Issues like seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang communities, unnecessary power projects coming up in the state without informing people, influx, corruption are our target issues,” said SHRP general secretary Mr Tara Shrestha.

Few other veteran politicians of the state have joined the SHRP recently including former ministers Mr Thukchuk Lachungpa and Mr Tsetan Tashi Lepcha, former Rajya Sabha MP Mr PT Gyamtso, president of ‘Ekta Manch’ and former secretary for power and energy Mr LP Tiwari and former Congress leader Mr Biraj Adhikari. “Our slogan is ‘Chamling Hatao Sikkim Bachao,’ the SHRP leadership, said.“People were searching for a new avenue, which made us join the SHRP. This would also ensure that the anti-Chamling forces were not divided,” said Mr LP Tiwari.Not just the SHRP, which is proving a melting pot of anti-Chamling forces, the CPI-M, Congress and BJP are also showing signs of contesting the SDF as one cohesive force. “A line of action has already been thought of,” claimed the Sikkim BJP president Mr HR Pradhan.

Source: The Statesman