Sikkim Democratic Front sacks ex-MP & Anna sympathiser

Gangtok, Aug. 28: Former Sikkim Democratic Front MP Nakul Das Rai and a youth leader who was on fast in Gangtok to show solidarity with Anna Hazare have been expelled from the party for unspecified reasons.

The chief minister and SDF president, Pawan Chamling, expelled 15 other members also from the party late on Friday. He did not cite any reason for the expulsion.

“The SDF president, Pawan Chamling, has used the provisions in the party constitution to expel these members,” said a statement from the party.

However, none of those ousted has been sent any official communication from the SDF as yet.

While eight of the sacked members are panchayat members, seven others held various posts at local levels.

The 51-year-old Rai is a founder-member of the SDF and was considered to be a heavyweight in the party. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2004 on SDF ticket.

“Chamling has expelled me without any probe and has acted merely on flimsy complaints lodged with him by the sycophants in the party. It is not that I have been ousted after I was found guilty of any wrongdoing. I had been contemplating resigning from the SDF as I am engaged in other activities. I have struggled a lot to ensure that Chamling came to power and everyone knows that. I will soon elaborate on all these matters,” said Rai.

The ex-MP also said he had been instrumental in forming the SDF and he would lay bare Chamling’s attitude towards old party soldiers.

The other prominent leader to be shown the door was Yong Tshering Lepcha, who had started a fast on August 20 to synchronise with Anna Hazare’s hunger strike at the Ramlila grounds in New Delhi. Lepcha, 44, had been admitted to the STNM Hospital since August 24 and had been on drips since then.

A vegetable farmer from Nimtar in East Sikkim and the convener of the Youth Front of SDF in the district, Lepcha said: “If today is the happiest day in my life to see that my support for Anna Chacha has not gone in vain, yesterday was the saddest day when I came to know about my expulsion. I do not know whether I was ousted because of my support for Anna Hazare. I had sat on a hunger strike so that there is support to the national campaign against corruption from Sikkim also. I have not indulged in any anti-party activities by going on fast.”

Lepcha was a supervisor in the state power department and left the job in 2006 to devote full time to the SDF.

He broke his fast today.

Source: The Telegraph

SDF set to sweep Sikkim municipal polls

Gangtok: Taking advantage of the opposition's boycott, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has virtually swept the seven urban bodies in Sikkim ahead of the polls.

A total of 34 wards out of 47 wards in all the urban bodies set to be declared elected unopposed tomorrow, an election department official said.

The virtual victory of the ruling party candidates in 34 wards has helped SDF to capture the nagar panchayats of Singtam (East Sikkim), Mangan (North Sikkim) and Geyzing (West Sikkim) with five wards each.

The election for remaining 13 wards would be held in Gangtok Municipal Corporation (15 wards), Namchi Municipal Council (seven wards), Rangpo and Jorethang Nagar Panchayats (five wards each).

The polling will be held on April 27 and the counting will take place on May 10, he said.

Source: PTI

SDF to release its poll manifesto soon; People believe in democracy not opposition: Dahal

GANGTOK, March 28: Welcoming the formal beginning of the election process for the establishment of the first elected three-tier municipal body in Sikkim, the ruling SDF party today said that its election manifesto would be released shortly carrying its promises and programmes for the urban Sikkimese people.

“The party’s manifesto for the municipal polls will be released in the next few days. The manifesto will have all the programmes and promises of the party for the people. Our message and appeal to the voters will also be included in the manifesto”, said SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal to SIKKIM EXPRESS.

When his comments were sought on the poll boycott stand adopted by the Opposition, Dahal pointed out the municipal election is a democratic exercise. The SDF party has nothing to say if the opposition parties want to disassociate themselves with this democratic exercise, he said.

Maybe they (opposition parties) do not believe in democratic exercises, Dahal added.
Regarding the call given by the opposition parties to the people for boycott of the forthcoming civic polls, the SDF spokesperson said: “The people do not believe in the opposition parties. The people believe in democracy”.

Dahal added that the municipal body is a democratic institution designed to empower the people. The people will become more empowered with the establishment of the municipal bodies in Sikkim, he said.

Source: Sikkim Express

It’s Final: Opposition to Boycott Municipal Polls Opposition to campaign for boycott of polls by people

GANGTOK, March 28: With the election process for establishing a three-tier municipal institution in Sikkim formally commenced from yesterday, the opposition parties have stuck to their stand of boycotting the civic polls even as the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party is set to release the party election manifesto in the next few days.

The State Election Commission had yesterday notified the schedule for the municipal polls leading to the simultaneous enforcement of model code of conduct till the election process in completed.

The last date for submission of nomination papers is April 3 which means only six days now remain for the political parties and individuals to contest the polls.

However, at the moment, the first municipal elections in Sikkim looks like a walkover for the ruling front in all the 47 wards as the Opposition has reiterated its stand to boycott the polls.
The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) said that it will boycott the municipal elections as the whole exercise is against the interests of the bonafide Sikkimese persons and the old settlers.

“We will not participate in the municipal elections which are against the interests of the local people and the old settlers. There has been total violation of Article 371 F”, said SPCC senior vice-president KN Upreti to SIKKIM EXPRESS.
Uperti reminded that the SPCC and other opposition parties had already registered their protests by staging a walkout from the all-party meet conducted by the State Election Commission on March 22 regarding the municipal elections.

Barring one or two opposition parties, all the other opposition parties including the national parties have taken a united stand to boycott the elections, said Upreti. He also claimed that the opposition parties were not taken into confidence by the State Election Commission during the pre-election process and accused the State government of trying to monopolize the municipal polls.

The opposition parties have expressed objections of delimitation of large percentage of rural areas as municipal wards and reservation of posts of Mayor and Chairperson. The Mayor post of Gangtok Municipal Corporation has been reserved for Bhutia-Lepcha community while the Chairperson post of Namchi Municipal Council has been reserved for the Limboo-Tamang community.
“Now we will appeal the people to boycott the municipal elections in this format. If the voters in large percentage boycott the elections then it would be our victory”, said the SPCC senior vice-president. He said that the opposition parties would be reaching out to the people till the voting day and appealing them not to vote.

Similarly, State BJP president Padam Chettri said that the upcoming municipal elections are ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘undemocratic’. The State government is trying to overlook the opposition parties and imposing the elections on the people, he said. “We are boycotting the municipal polls in the present format. We don’t want to be part of such illegal setup. We will embark on a large scale programme to appeal the people not to cast their votes to set up the municipal bodies which are against their interests. Rest is up to the voters”, said Chettri. He claimed that the percentage of voting will come down drastically during the municipal polls.
Sikkim CPIM State Committee member PP Koirala also made similar stand. “We are boycotting the elections. The municipal bodies in the present format are not in the interests of the people”, he said.

Koirala said that it is up to the people to exercise their voting rights. The State government and the election commission will be responsible when things go wrong in the future, he said.
Regional outfits, Sikkim National People’s Party and Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad have already announced to boycott the elections.

The municipal elections are being held for Gangtok Municipal Corporation with 15 wards, Namchi Municipal Council with seven wards and five Nagar Panchayats with five wards each.

The last date for filing nominations is April 3, scrutiny will be done of April 5 and the last day of withdrawal of nominations is on April 7. Voting will take place on April 27 and counting will be held on April 29.

Source: Sikkim Express

Lie does not last: SDF Opposition must start their politics afresh: Dahal

GANGTOK, March 22: “Truth does not shake, lie does not last”, remarked a delighted SDF party as fireworks erupted across the State with the party supporters celebrating the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a DA petition filed by Congress seeking CBI probe against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today.

The political conspiracy of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Nar Bahadur Bhandari and his coterie who have been rejected by the people and were hurdles to development of Sikkim has thus ended, said SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal in a press statement commenting on the judgement of the apex court.

Dahal pointed out that Bhandari has already been defeated by the ruling front in the people’s court nine times in Assembly and other polls. Bhandari has also lost at least seven times in various courts while filing cases against the Chief Minister, he said.

The party extends heartiest congratulations to Chief Minister and the Sikkimese people on the dismissal of the petition by the Supreme Court, the SDF spokesperson said.

“It is not only the victory of Pawan Chamling but the victory of the SDF party and Sikkimese Janta”, said Dahal. He said that the image of Sikkim is excellent in the country and abroad due to the ideal and nationalist leadership of Chamling.

“The opposition cannot come forward with their own agendas and programmes for developing Sikkim, are incapable of thinking for the welfare of the Sikkimese people and are always trying to impede Chamling from working for the Sikkimese people. They must now start their politics afresh”, said the SDF spokesperson.

Dahal added that the party will now move forward more committed for the development of Sikkim and Sikkimese people with this victory which has injected the party with new energy, self-respect and vindication.

The party spokesperson reminded that Bhandari who was the president of Sikkim Sangram Parishad then had on 15 June, 1996 demanded the then Governor Randhir Singh for a PIL against Chamling on alleged disproportionate assets. Bhandari had also given a 24 hours ultimatum to the Governor on December 3, 1996, he said.

The PIL which was filed on December 10, 1996 against the Chief Minister was dismissed by the High Court of Sikkim on December 10, 1997 and an appeal was filed with the Supreme Court which was also dismissed, the SDF spokesperson reminded.

Source: Sikkim Express

Supreme Court dismisses SPCC PIL against CM I carry no grudge against the petitioners: Pawan Chamling

GANGTOK, March 25: The Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed by Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) functionaries seeking CBI probe into the disproportionate assets allegations against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

According to national agency reports, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan directed petitioner Kunga Nima Lepcha, SPCC general secretary, to approach the investigating agencies concerned if he has got any such grievance.

The apex court directed the petitioner that if he feels he has got sufficient material, he can place the same before the probe agencies under relevant provisions of CrPC.

In response, Chamling expressed his satisfaction over the verdict of the Supreme Court.
This has made me more humble and has entrusted on me an even greater responsibility towards the people of the State, said the Chief Minister while addressing the inaugural session of the two day Career-cum-Employment Mela here at Chintan Bhavan.

Breaking the verdict news in his address, Chamling categorically stated that he has no grudge or ill-will against anyone. I have no grudge against anyone, not even against those who filed a case against me, he said.

On the other hand, petitioner Lepcha has claimed that the today’s Supreme Court order implies that the court has ‘not given clean chit’ to Chamling in the disproportionate asset issue as alleged in the petition.

In a press statement, the SPCC general secretary said that the petitioners will decide their next course of action after getting the written order of the Court, in consultation with the legal experts.

It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had on December 23, 2008 reserved its judgement following the conclusion of the arguments on the petition after nine hearings since August 14, 2006.

Four SPCC functionaries led by Lepcha had filed the petition alleging Chamling of amassing disproportionate assets worth more than Rs. 1538 lakhs following which the apex Court had served notice to the Chief Minister on August 14, 2008. The petitioners had prayed for a CBI probe.

Source: Sikkim Express

AOSS congratulates CM

Gangtok: The Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) are in joyous mood to hear the order of Supreme Court dismissing the petition against Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling, says a press release by AOSS president Mr. S. K Sarda. “We congratulate our Chief Minister for this victory”, the release said.

The release also noted: “Dr Chamling has brought massive change in Sikkim’s economic, social and cultural scene and has strengthened the economy of Sikkim by his visionary leadership. This has raised the living standard of the people and opportunities now abound in Sikkim in trade, commerce, industry, tourism, floriculture, agriculture and animal husbandry”.

Source: Sikkim Reporter

18 active members give SDF 18 days ultimatum to take corrective measures

Eighteen ‘active members’ including central executive committee members and former Panchayats today issued a joint ‘Phase I’ representation to the ruling SDF party to take corrective measures within 18 days.

In the ‘eighteen days ultimatum’ submitted to the SDF general secretary (administration), the lot has demanded the ruling front the separation of the post of the party president and Chief Minister and declaration of assets by all the active members for removing corruption.

Those signing the representation are include Buddha Shanker (ex-Panchayat, Pakyong), Manju Rai (CEC, Yangang), Biswajit Chettri (active member, Melli), Tashi Bhutia (ex-upadhayksa, Temi Tarku), Bijay Subba (active member CEC, Pakyong), Tashi Rinchen (ex-Panchayat, Ralong), Karma Dadul (active member, Rabong), Birkha Man Subba (active member, Hee Bermoik), Ugen Namgyal (active member, Barfung), Dhurba Sharma (ex-general secretary, Poklong Kamrang), Mani Pratap Tamang (ex-Panchayat, Namchi Singithang), IK Gurung (active member, Namchi Singithang), CK Gurung (active member, Damthang), Ujal Gurung (active member, Namchi Singithang), Tashi Dorjee Tamang (active member, Namchi Singithang), Rudra Sunwar (active member, Namchi Singithang), Chewang Rabden (active member, Tinkitam) and Anthony Rai (active member, Jhoom Salgari).

If the party does not take corrective measures then it is free to expel us, the rebellious SDF workers said.

They has also raised ten major issues with the ruling front where they have claimed that only sycophants are rewarded in the SDF regime while those who have given sacrifices have been left out. The section also accused the ruling front of being anti-democratic by expelling fourteen founder members recently.

“If the policies of the SDF party does not change, then the political environment in Sikkim will vitiate”, the eighteen rebels said in a press statement.

From Sikkim Express

SIKKIM: “SDF mission to be carried to its logical conclusion” - SDF Manifesto

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party president Pawan Chamling vowed to give continuity to all the ongoing developmental works in Sikkim and bring them to a logical end if voted to power for a record successive fourth government while releasing the party’s election manifesto today here in Gangtok.

“We want to give continuity to all our developmental works and bring them to a logical end. We will bring a qualitative change in Sikkim and Sikkimese people who will not only enjoy their democratic rights but get equal share in all the opportunities in the State. We have also targets for the coming generation and will create a highly skilled workforce in the State”, said Mr. Chamling in the press meet. He was meeting the press after a long gap of two years and this was the only fourth press conference called by him during his past five years term as a Chief Minister. MORE...

Hold polls in Sikkim in the first phase, SDF tells EC

Gangtok: “It will be much convenient if the election to the Sikkim Parliamentary constituency and Sikkim Legislative Assembly would be held in the first slot itself as Sikkim goes to both these elections simultaneously”. This was told to Election Commission in its meeting with all political parties in Delhi on Feb3, 2009, by Mr. N. K. Pradhan, Gangtok MLA and General Secretary of ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, informs a press release issued by SDF Publicity Secretary, Mr. T. N. Sharma.
The release further informs that Mr. Pradhan drew attention of EC to the chances of omission of names of many electors consequent upon new delimitation of constituencies and asked “to make sure that none of the genuine electors is left out from the electoral list so that they can exercise their franchise”.

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

SDF condemns CPM comment

Gangtok , Sikkim :Communist Party of India (Marxist) central secretariat leader, Mr. Nilotpal Basu and CPM MP from Darjeeling, Mr. Saman Pathak, speaking in a CPM organized meeting in BL House here on Sunday, remarked that the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government move for hydropower project in Dzongu (North Sikkim) “ is destructive”. They pledged support to the ongoing protest to the government move by ACT, a forum in the name of “Affected Citizents of Teesta”.

On Monday, Mr. Bhim Dahal, SDF general secretary (publicity), has “condemned” the remark, without naming the CPM leaders. Mr. Dahal has said in a press release, the CPM leaders by supporting an “anti-development” group and trying “to divert people’s attention to Sikkim from West Bengal and the massacre of farmers in Singur and Nandigram in the State by lathi and bullets “. Calling CPM “a party that changes colour”, the release questions the “ideology of the party in joining hands with BJP and SIBLAC in Sikkim”. The release adds, “Dzongu is on a development path. There is no fighting, lathi charge or firing”, as in Singur and Nandigram.

Source: The Telegraph

SDF emerges as winner in rural polls

Gangtok : The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has won the Sikkim panchayat polls, though the elections are scheduled on October 26.

The poll scenario after the withdrawal of candidates on October 5 shows a clear 66 per cent of the seats going uncontested in favour of the ruling party.

Of the 889 panchayat seats, the SDF has won 595 without a contest. This was declared yesterday by the state election commission. Elections will now be held for the remaining 294 seats.

The SDF has won West Sikkim with as many as 246 of the total 283 seats going uncontested. In South district, 106 of the 257 seats will see a contest. In the East district, SDF has won 121 of the 243 seats uncontested. Up north, the ruling front bagged 77 of the 106 seats without a fight.

Similarly, in the zilla panchayat polls 49 per cent of the seats in the state have been claimed by the SDF without a contest. The ruling front has garnered 45 zilla panchayat seats out of the total 93. The remaining 47 will also go to polls on October 26.

West district displayed its loyalty to the ruling party with no opposing candidates in 17 of the 25 zilla panchayat seats. In South Sikkim the SDF has already won 10 of the 23 zilla panchayat seats uncontested. The East district will have elections to 17 zilla panchayat seats, while nine have been won by the SDF without contest. In the North district SDF has won half of the 18 seats. Elections for one seat from Navey-Sothak in East Sikkim will be rescheduled since all candidates have withdrawn their nominations on Friday.

The rural polls this year have seen a large number of independent candidates, who are the primary rivals of the ruling party. The Opposition in the state have mostly drawn a blank with the state Congress, CPM and the Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party putting up candidates in only a few seats.

Source: The Telegraph