CHAMLING BEGINS CAMPAIGN TOUR OF SOUTH SIKKIM FROM RABONG

“Elections a formality to confirm people’s absolute endorsement of SDF”

NAMCHI, 20 Mar: After completing his election campaign across West Sikkim, SDF party president Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, kicked off the campaign in South Sikkim today with a grand public meeting at Rabongla, South Sikkim.

Addressing party supporters of Barfung constituency, Mr. Chamling highlighted the achievements of the SDF government and urged for votes so that the party can continue the development programmes. Stating that the party has given tickets to candidates of all communities in the state, he said that welfare and safeguard of the Sikkimese populace is the main motto of the party.

Mr. Chamling further said that a number of sitting MLAs have been asked to rest for five years by the party with the assurance that they will find place in responsible posts in the next SDF government. He further asked the present candidates to work together with supporters of ex-MLAs.

“I have decided to contest from by birthplace since it was a long held demand of Rangang Yangyang constituency,” said Mr. Chamling. Also today, Mr. Chamling ruled out rumors of a change in the SDF’s Sangha candidate. Palden Lachungpa, he announced, remains the party’s Sangha candidate. There had been some speculation that Mr. Lachungpa was dropping out due to health reasons.

Expressing confidence in the party’s absolute victory in the coming election as well, Mr. Chamling quipped that the elections on 12 April will just be a formality to confirm the obvious – SDF’s return with absolute endorsement of the people.

“When we formed the government in 1994, there were only two classes of people in Sikkim - the rich and poor but today most of the population belongs to the middle class and there is only 1 percent of poor people. Our next mission is to eradicate poverty altogether from Sikkim,” he added.

Speaking on the party’s future plans, Mr. Chamling promised land for the landless, two storied homes for the homeless, Rs. 50,000 for house up gradation, GCI sheets, induction cooker, LPG supply, free electricity, tax free water supply in urban areas, laptops for Panchayats and pensions for ex panchayats etc.

SDF’s Lok Sabha candidate, PD Rai in his address said that due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Chamling, Sikkim has been projected in the national and international level with its rapid development. He further assured that he will work with the Sangha MLA to bring the Karmapa to Rumtek.

Sitting MLA, Sonam Gyatso Bhutia, presented the welcome address while SDF candidate for Barfung constituency, DD Bhutia, also addressed the gathering. 84 SKM supporters from Barfung constituency joined SDF party today. They were welcomed in the party by Mr Chamling.

Later, the SDF president was given a warm reception at Namchi Bazaar. It may be mentioned here that Namchi Singithang is the other constituency from where he is contesting this time.