SDF manifesto released

Sikkim Democratic Front party spokespersons Nimthit Lepcha and Neeru Sewa formally launched the party manifesto for the Sikkim Urban Civic Body elections 2015 here at Gangtok on Wednesday evening. Also present for the launch were senior leaders of the party. [foto: JOSEPH LEPCHA]

SDF picks its 53 for the municipal polls

Sikkim Democratic Front has released its list of 53 candidates selected to contest the municipal elections slated for 09 October at seven towns across the State. The list was declared on Sunday

CANDIDATES OF SIKKIM DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE URBAN LOCAL BODIES ELECTIONS 2015 

GANGTOK MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

WARDS                                                                 CANDIDATES

We succeeded where SDF and SKM have failed, GAC counters

The immediate years after an election are usually less about politicking and more about announcements and new beginnings. The current term in Sikkim has however developed a knack to keep “politics” alive even if it is by dusting up issues and attitudes which have been with Sikkim ever since it has been a democracy. Even as the in-office Sikkim Democratic Front and opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha play the allegation-counter allegation game on a spool, joining the mix now is the Gorkha Apex Committee, which, on 20 August, condemned and refuted allegations of its being aligned to SKM attributed to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

SDF finalises CEC list, drops those of ‘suspect’ allegiance

GANGTOK, 12 Jan: Sikkim Democratic Front party president, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, convened the first meeting of the reconstituted Central Working Committee of his party on Sunday. All the CWC members attended the meeting, a press release issued by the SDF spokesperson PD Rai informs. The meeting, the release informs, was called to finalise the list of all members of the Central Executive Committee of the Party. The names of all those who were nominated were discussed and finalised. Many names were also dropped due to various reasons chief being that their allegiance to the Party and their adherence to party principles were suspect, the release details.

Teacher transfers required to staff rural schools better and meet humanitarian commitments: CM

GANGTOK, 12 Jan: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has stated that the recent transfer of around 1,000 teachers in Sikkim was in pursuance of the government policy “of ensuring that most of the excess teachers who are now residing in many of the urban centres are transferred to fill vacancies in the rural schools”.
The explanation, an SDF press release informs, came at the central working committee meeting of the Sikkim Democratic Front chaired by Mr. Chamling in Gangtok on Sunday, 11 Jan.

Schools close, SDF and SKM open debate on teacher transfers

GANGTOK, 06 Jan: Sikkim Democratic Front party has reiterated that the state government has made its stand and the objective behind the teacher transfers clear and that the opposition is only trying to politicize the issue to serve its selfish interests. The SKM, meanwhile, has rejected the SDF explanation as illogical and unacceptable.

SDF membership drive in East district soon

GANGTOK, 05 Jan: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front has announced plans to launch a membership drive and renew party cadre memberships from 22 January onwards at the village and ward levels for East district. The decision was taken at a district committee meeting held at the party head-office here at Indira Bye-Pass chaired by the party’s East District president, DB Thapa.

News of Salghari families joining SKM false: SDF

GANGTOK, 25 Sept: Sikkim Democratic Front CEC member, Purba Viswa from Dorap Salghari has contended that the news published in local dailies of 70 families from Salghari joining Sikkim Krantikari Morcha is false.
A press release issued by Mr Viswa states that every person from this constituency has accepted the Chief Minister and SDF president Pawan Chamling as their leader based on the party’s policies, principles, vision and programmes.
He has further alleged that SKM is an “anti-social party” and its “self-proclaimed leaders” are spreading such false news.

SDF OBSERVES GARIB UTTHAN DIWAS Chamling announces Rs. 80 crore outlay to power rural homestay tourism

GANGTOK, Sept 22: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today announced an ambitious plan to facilitate the setting up of home-stay tourism options at 1,000 homes across the State. Rs. 80 crore has been earmarked for this project, which the CM highlighted, will turn around the rural economy and involve rural-folk more intimately as stakeholders in the tourism sector.
The CM made this announcement which addressing the Garib Utthan Diwas [Poverty Alleviation Day] of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front today at the party head office here at Indira Byepass. The SDF observes the day coinciding with its party president, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s birthday. Mr. Chamling turned 63 today.
The day also celebrates the day in the year 1993, when Mr. Chamling had returned to Sikkim after a 3-month spell spent ‘underground’ following his breaking away from Sikkim Sangram Parishad.
“SDF party came to power in December 1994 and has done tremendous work to reduce poverty from 42 percent in 1993 to 8 percent at present. The poverty rate has declined remarkably and we are becoming more prosperous than other states of the North East like Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh”, said the CM while addressing party workers today.
He also announced a series of party programmes and said that the government plans to make hundred more tourist spots in Sikkim to attract more tourists and also to entice them to stay in Sikkim on longer holidays. The new destinations will have potential to keep tourists back for 100-day holidays, Mr. Chamling shared.
The state government has also taken a policy decision to develop 1,000 home stays in rural areas promoting and providing rural employment and empowering the Sikkimese youth, said the CM. The state government has earmarked Rs 80 crore to build rural home stays as the next step towards promoting rural tourism, he added.
Earlier, he stated that the pending bills of various departments will be cleared before Dussehra. The salary of ASHA workers which is pending will be released along with the old age pensions, he further announced.
While addressing party workers, Mr. Chamling said that all the party workers are equally responsible to take decisions at their own level upholding the party policies and programmes while working within the framework of the party rules. No one in the party is above the law and rules, he added.
Refraining from taking any names the CM did take a dig at the Opposition formed of former party colleagues. Of them, he said that “undesirable elements” leaving the party was a good sign suggesting reform within the party.
Cautioning party workers, he said that growing selfishness within the party workers and leaders was causing inner conflicts which he said is not a good sign for a democratic party and practice.
Earlier the reports on Youth Awareness Programme and Zonal Committee for South and West were submitted to the party president by the party vice president and In-charge Youth, Ugen T. Gyatso.
The CM also inaugurated a music studio, Sargam Sikkim Studio, and launched an album recorded in the studio. The studio, located near the party head office, aims to provide opportunities to the talents of Sikkim it is informed.
The program also saw the release of several books while the CM was also felicitated by the Central Executive Committee of the party for bringing development in the state.

Nawin Kiran to lead 75 ASESE&UA members into SDF

GANGTOK, 16 May: The All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association [ASESE&UA] president, Nawin Kiran, today announced plans to join the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front with the executive and active members of the association. 25 executive members and around 50 active members of the association will be joining the ruling party after formally resigning from the ASESE&UA.
Addressing a press conference today, Mr. Kiran informed that the process will be completed over the next two days and a new executive body put in place in the association. ASESE&UA, he said, will continue working on issues and programmes it has been addressing and its members will keep away from politics.
On queries on whether the association’s chief advisor and former MP, Pahalman Subba, will also join the SDF, Mr. Kiran said that the association wanted to keep him above politics, but he added, “Nothing is impossible in politics”.
As to why SDF, Mr. Kiran said that when the executive members decided on joining active politics and after that when they decided against opening their own party and join an existing one, the choice was only between SDF and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.
He said today that the group found that SDF was better than the SKM. He said that except the slogan of ‘change’, the association did not find any programmes or clear objectives for the people in the new party. 
They informed that they had met the Chief Minister on 13 May and then attended the SDF Namthang meeting. This one had led to some confusion with announcements made of Mr. Kiran having extended support to SDF, his denial and criticism from others.
Mr. Kiran commented today that the amount of noise generated over his presence at the SDF meeting in Namthang was surprising given that no eyebrows were raised when ASESE&UA members attended meetings of other parties.
Mr. Subba in turn said that his blessings were with the ASESE&UA members joining the ruling party. He added that the association was now looking for an able president to replace Mr. Kiran.
An executive member, Sabita Tamang, in turn lashed out against the uncharitable comments on their having attended an SDF meeting. She jabbed back with a repartee pointing out that even the leader to whom the SKM was aligned was an MLA of the ruling party.

SDF’s Cheli Morcha convenes coordination meetings for Lachen-Mangan and Dzongu constituencies

MANGAN, 07 May: Constituency level coordination meeting of SDF’s women’s wing, the Cheli Morcha, were convened for Lachen-Mangan and Dzongu constituencies on 06 and 07 May respectively.
ForLachen-Mangan, the meeting was held at Naga and began with a welcome address by Ashokmit Lepcha (vice convener, Cheli Morcha), followed by Upadhakshya, NT Lepcha, speaking on the SDF Government’s consistent efforts to sustain and nurture Lepcha culture and traditions.
The Cheli Morcha general secretary, Manita Mangar, in turn detailed the initiatives of the SDF Government towards women’s empowerment and calling on the Cheli Morcha members to coordinate efforts with their area MLA to spread wider awareness on the party’s ideology, commitment and delivery on women’s issues.
The North Zilla Adhakshya, Anguli Lepcha, invited members to undertake a detailed analysis of the SDF Government’s achievements of the past 19 years, compare it against the situation of the past and the claims of the party’s detractors to understand what would be at stake if misinformation was allowed to spread unchallenged.
Similarly, former MLA, Ringzing Ongmu, member State Planning Commission, underlined the role of the Cheli Morcha and its responsibilities towards the party.
Former Speaker, Kalawati Subba, also a member of the State Planning Commission now, then shared the party’s growth since it was launched to its elevation to government in Sikkim and its various policy initiatives which have consistently been pro-poor and pro-women.
The function winded up with vote of thanks being delivered by Songmit Lepcha, zilla member. Also present for the meeting were Khamsoong Lepcha, North District president SDF, former Upadhakshya  Pintso Doma Bhutia, panchayat and zilla members and the women from Lachen-Mangan.
The team then convened a similar meeting for the Cheli Morcha or Dzongu constituencyat Namprikdang Ground yesterday chaired by Ms. Kalawati Subba and also attended by the area MLA Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, apart from the party leaders who attended the Naga meet.
This meeting started with a welcome address by Dawden Lepcha, Cheli Convenor, Dzongu constituency.
During the meeting, the names of convenors and vice convenors of the Cheli Morcha for ward level and GPU level cells were announced by Khimoo Lepcha, North District convenor of the SDF Cheli Morcha.

CM directs legislators to become more proactive

GANGTOK, 24 Jan: The Sikkim Democratic Front called a legislators’ meet on Wednesday at Mintokgang chaired by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. During the meeting, the Chief Minister, among other issues, also directed the legislators to deal with the issues of the Companies Act and Article 371 F, informs an SDF press release.
He asked the party’s legislators to brief their constituents with the true facts on the issue of Aadhar card and Companies Amendment Act, 2012 in the parliament adding that the Sikkim government has preserved the distinct identity of Sikkimese people as provided for under the Constitution.
The Chief Minister also informed the MLAs of the government initiative to recruit 600 more personnel into Sikkim Police and open another 250 positions at accounts and clerical levels in April later this year.
He further directed all the legislators to address the public’s grievances at their level and take responsibility instead of putting additional burden on the Chief Minister’s Office, the release mentions.
The CM went on to state that it was the responsibility of every citizen right from the Ministers, MLAs, heads of departments, engineers, contractors, civil society, panchayats and public to monitor the schemes and construction works to ensure quality delivery.
The release states that SDF is a party that seeks to “involve the public at all levels and uplift the living standards of the Sikkimese with a human touch”. It is also informed that the party has decided to hold constituency level party foundation day celebration on 04 March in all constituencies and complete formation of nine-member development and advisory committees at the Gram Panchayat Ward level as per the decision taken during the panchayat election in November, last year.
The legislators’ meet also discussed the International Flower Show to be held next month and sought cooperation from all quarters. The up-gradation and blacktopping of all the link roads across the state was also discussed where it was decided that quality work and proper vigil would be undertaken.

Chamling calls on Sikkimese for Sikkim

GANGTOK, 23 Jan: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today reiterated that the entire Sikkimese populace should play a joint and positive role in Sikkim-making. He further stressed on the need for creative support in this state building process from every concerned side.
A Sikkim Democratic Front press release informs that the CM, who is also the SDF party president, was speaking to senior members and workers of the party here today.
In his address, the CM said that it was imperative to think of long term solutions for problems facing the state. He added that allegations and criticism were not the solution to any problem but would instead promote negative thinking and blame-shifting; but a change in mindset and thinking is needed to solve problems, he stressed.
The CM also expressed that a good leader should be able to lead the youth on a creative, forward-looking path and not confuse or mislead them. He urged the people to make use of their efficiency, energy and time in creative work and further stressed that those capable should take up responsibilities to work for the society, the release mentions.

SDF condoles lives lost in Triveni road mishap

GANGTOK, 22 Jan: Sikkim Democratic Front has expressed its deep condolence on the loss of lives in the tragic road mishap at Triveni in West Bengal on 18 January.
In a condolence message, the party has expressed its deep condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.
The party has also prayed for the early recovery of the injured persons.

SDF condemns and denies hand in distribution of booklets

GANGTOK, 14 Jan: Sikkim Democratic Front spokesperson, Bhim Dahal has strongly condemned the circulation of anonymous pamphlets, booklets and CDs by anti-social elements with an intention to defame its leaders and office bearers.
In a press release issued recently, he mentions that it has been reported to the party that even a pilgrimage tour of their leader and his family members have been distorted to defame in a mudslinging propaganda by “so-called members of a party yet to be announced”.
He further states that one MN Dahal of Soreong, Daragaon, has issued a press release purportedly defaming one of the senior members of the SDF party. The release also condemns the vandalizing of Rhenock Police Station by elements inimical towards peace, harmony and development of the state.
“SDF party feels proud to declare that it needs no anonymous leaflets or booklets for its march towards victory and service of the people. It has its own policy declared in public by the leader through various media including official party organs, books and magazines to inform the public,” the release adds.

CM's message on 19th Government Formation Day

MESSAGE OF CHIEF MINISTER PAWAN CHAMLING ON THE OCCASION OF THE 19th GOVERNMENT FORMATION DAY [the SDF Govt in Sikkim was first formed on 12 Dec 2004]

“We have clearly seen our way forward and the direction we take henceforth”

Respected fellow Sikkimese
On the occasion of 19th Anniversary of the SDF Government Formation Day, I extend warm greetings to the people of Sikkim. On December 12, 1994 the people of Sikkim installed, for the first time, a truly democratic government responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people and ever since this party and the government have continued to enjoy the confidence of the Sikkimese people winning public mandate after mandate in each subsequent elections held thereafter. This, I believe, is the result of good governance based on people-centric programs and policies with both short-term and long-term goals. On this day, therefore, I express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the people of Sikkim for their continued support and confidence on our governance and also congratulate them for their responsible decision to strengthen democratic institutions, promote socio-economic prosperity, peace and security, communal harmony and development in the State.
Through sheer hard work and ambitious development program, Sikkim today is one of the most progressive States in the Indian union. The socio-economic indicators of the pre-1994 Sikkim and the post 1994 Sikkim clearly reflect the dichotomy and the improved life standards of the Sikkimese people. This we have been able to achieve through two-pronged strategies. One, we have invested our energy and resources to social sectors including education and health to ensure quality human development. And secondly, we have identified revenue-generating sectors and worked towards full realization of potential areas including hydro-power generation and promotion of eco-tourism trade.
In the health sector, the much acclaimed CATCH program has covered 50% of the state’s population. Mukhya Mantri Jeewan Rakshya scheme is to facilitate the sick for treatment outside the State while at the same time, the 575 bedded multi-specialty Hospital is expected to complete by 2014 where we will have our own Medical College at the Multi-Specialty Hospital. In education sector, the existing arrangement will be re-assessed to make facilities for creating greater awareness amongst children and education opportunities. We are committed to providing land and other ancillaries to Central University at the earliest and work in tandem with authorities at the Central University which the Government of India has created for the people of Sikkim.
Respected citizens
Over the years, the result has been evident. We have been able to integrate Sikkim into the mainstream in a more meaningful way. Now we are part of the North East Council. Limboo and Tamang communities are Scheduled tribes. The traditional Nathula pass is re-opened for trade and the import-export items expanded for realistic outcome. Income Tax exemption to Sikkimese has been granted by the Government of India. We have to secure Assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang. Hydro-power generation and eco-tourism are earnestly promoted area for a sustainable revenue base. Small scale clean industrial units including pharmaceutical units set up in the State to provide additional job avenues for our local people. We are preparing youths to be competitive with the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship rewarding the toppers with cash award of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 to local Sikkimese bagging rank No.1, rank No.2 and rank No.3 respectively in all the three streams of Science, Commerce and Arts in the CBSE at Class XII level and similarly three cash awards for rank No.1, rank No.2 and rank No.3 in CBSE class X level. We encourage giving loans to bright students who want to undergo higher education and higher skill development training coaching in reputed institutes in the Country for All India Competitive examination like Banking, Civil Services and Sub ordinate Services. Our Skill Development programme will be further graduated.
We are also pursuing development model based on principle of social equity and justice. Woman folks are given equal social status at par with their male counterparts through granting them affirmative share. In fact, we introduced some preferential treatment including exclusive reservation in government employment and panchayati raj. The recently concluded Panchayat election in Sikkim has seen 50% women in Gram Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat and Zilla Adhakshaya and up Adhakshya posts.
We have gained regional, national and international recognition for some of our innovative schemes like Organic Mission, Capacity Building, Green Mission, eco-friendly tourism etc. In fact, many programs similar to ours are being launched at the national level. We have received number of national awards as mark of recognition under various sectors. We are being honoured for Best all round State in overall performance in entire country, for environmental protection and growth, for core infrastructure development and drinking water and sanitation.
That means, we have now gained much ground in terms of development and the need of the hour is to further consolidate our efforts of the past. Today, we have created enough democratic space for all to prosper and establish Sikkimese culture to appreciate good works and recognize their contribution. This is a healthy practice to bestow honour where it is due. Consequently, we have honoured distinguished personalities like late Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, the first Chief Minister of democratic Sikkim.
We have challenges ahead owing to various factors which are global in nature. We have to tackle them at the local level. Knowing well that every effort counts, I am sure that every Sikkimese would contribute something positive.
Dear citizens, though the path is long and hard, we have clearly seen our way forward and the direction we take henceforth. We are trying to secure Scheduled Tribe Status for the remaining Sikkimese people. With full confidence in the collective wisdom of the beloved Sikkimese people and support we are bound to succeed. With Guru Rimpoche’s blessing and our efforts we will achieve our objectives for ensuring peace, progress, prosperity and development in the State.
Wishing fellow Sikkimese once again on the Anniversary of Government formation, I pray to the Almighty for your good health, well being, peace, communal harmony, progress and prosperity. Towards that objective, let us re-dedicate ourselves today for the tasks. Here I am reminded of the unflinching work of our bureaucracy headed by the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and their team of sub-ordinates.
Thank you once again
Jai Sikkim
Jai Hind

SDF propose names of Zilla Adhyakshyas and Upadhyakshyas

GANGTOK, 21 Nov: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front today released the list of names proposed by it for the posts of Zilla Adhyakshyas and Upadhakshyas for all four districts.
Informing that the list has been approved by the party president, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, an SDF press release informs that Bimal Dawari’s name has been proposed for a second term as East Zilla Adhyakshya, and Kalpana Moktan, a lawyer turned politician has been proposed as Upadhyakshya.
For South district, Chabi Lal Gurung from Yangang has been proposed for the Adhyakshya’s post and Devi Maya Baraily the Upadhyakshya.
For West district, Devika Subba’s has been proposed as Adhyakshya and Laxmi Prasad Kafley of Gerethang the Upadhyakshya. Similarly, for North district, the party has endorsed Anguli Lepcha for the post of Adhyakshya and Nim Tshering Lepcha is the Upadhyakshya.
The 50% reservation for women at the panchayat level has been maintained at the Adhyakshya and Upadhyaksha level as well.
In South Sikkim, the announcement was made in a meeting held by the ruling party here at the party office which was chaired by party vice president-cum in- charge South district, GM Gurung, Chairman, Passang R Sherpa, outgoing Adhyakshya South, BM Rai, party leaders of South Sikkim and the Zilla Panchayat members from 20 Zilla Territorial Constituencies out of the total 28 TCs.
South district has a seat reserved for MBC in the post of Adhyakshya and SC women for Upadhyakshya. The party today declared the name of CL Gurung from Yangyang as the new Zilla Adhyakshya South while the lone woman SC, Zilla Panchayat from Namthang-Maneydara, Devi Maya Baraily will be the new Upadhyakshya South.

SDF resolves to take disciplinary action against attackers

GANGTOK, 08 Nov: When confronted with confirmation that the accused in the attack on the NOW! office were led by its own ward panchayat candidate, the Sikkim Democratic Front, apart from condemning the incident in strong words, has also announced that the party’s disciplinary action committee has resolved to take strict against the accused.
In a press release issued today, the party has conveyed that such elements which were undermining the ideology and principles of the party and bringing the party to disrepute with their actions will be strictly dealt with.
Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai, while speaking to NOW! over the phone from Delhi also registered his condemnation of the incident and reiterated that “as a party, we neither encourage nor condone such acts”. The attack was “not acceptable”, he said, while adding that since the culprits have been identified and booked, the law will be allowed to take its course and justice ensured.
This sentiment was also echoed by the SDF press release which clarifies further that this was an attack carried out individuals, who even if they belonged to the party, did not have the party’s sanction for the deed and appeals that the deeds of the individuals not be blamed on the party.

Martam Nazitar ward panchayat assaulted, SDF’s Zilla panchayat booked

GANGTOK, 07 Nov: There are a total of 3 FIRs lodged with the police in connection with the incidents at Adampool and Yanthang Martam, East Sikkim, which led to the hospitalization of a woman Independent candidate, Geeta Sharma. One FIR was lodged with the Ranipool police and the other two with the Singtam police.
What is confounding is that she was assaulted upon by her own party members allegedly led by the Zilla Panchayat Deepak Tamang. This, because lthough the victim had contested the panchayat ward polls as an Independent, she, as per reports, is affiliated to the SDF party.
Deepak Tamang, the SDF Zilla Panchayat elect from Byeng-Martam, was arrested by the Singtam police late in the evening on 06 November. He has also been challaned by the Ranipool police for having taken out a victory rally without prior permission.
The first incident occurred on the Yanthang Martam road where the motor rally of Deepak Tamang intercepted the supporters of the complainant, Geeta Sharma at around 3 PM on 06 November. She had contested and won the Martam Nazitar ward as an independent candidate albeit one with clear SDF party affiliation. As per police records, she then proceeded to congratulate the zilla panchayat elect and wanted to offer him khadas but this was rejected by Deepak Tamang. As per reports he and his supporters then began threatening her and a scuffle ensued. Geeta Sharma was reportedly dragged away and the SDF party flag being carried by her supporters was also forcefully taken away from them.
However, Geeta Sharma, who is undergoing medical treatment at the Central Referral Hospital here, while speaking to NOW! today, clearly denied having approached the Zilla Panchayat member or his supporters yesterday. She was going around the Ward thanking people along with her supporters at around 3 PM when they came across Deepak Tamang and his supporters who then confronted her and threatened her. In the ensuing scuffle, Geeta Sharma alleges, she was pushed to the ground, dragged some distance and her clothes were also torn.
“While taking the party flag away from her supporters, Deepak Tamang also said that we did not belong to the SDF party and were from the opposition and therefore had no right to carry the party flag,” she further alleged.
“I was not even allowed to move or to be taken to a hospital”, she stated and added that only at around 6 PM, she was allowed to be brought to the hospital.
This was not the only incident that afternoon. Shortly after, Deepak Tamang and his supporters are also accused of having assaulted 62-year-old Kharka Bahadur Tiwari, a resident of Yangthang Martam during their so called victory lap.
While Deepak Tamang and his supporters have been charged with assault and criminal intimidation, Geeta Sharma today stated that she would be consulting her lawyers in order to explore the imposition of more serious charges against the zilla panchayat elect.
However the series of incidents did not just there.
Later, at around 4:30 PM when the victory rally reached Adampool it met Melli Sonam, Kala Rai and other known Golay camp supporters. They were agitated that an Independent candidate had been assaulted and in the ensuing confrontation damaged the Zlilla Panchayat’s vehicle, a Bolero. There was also scuffle between the two sides and the drama played out late into the evening with Golay supporters also picketing the Ranipool thana.
SP East, MS Tuli rushed to the spot and along with the Ranipool police brought the situation under control.

SDF thanks public for reinstating faith in the party

GANGTOK, 07 Nov: “On behalf of the Sikkim Democratic Front [SDF] party president and the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, we would like to thank the people of Sikkim, the party supporters and the people who worked at the Ward level for making the SDF party victorious in the recently concluded Panchayat elections,” conveyed SDF party spokesperson Bhim Dahal, while addressing a press conference here at the SDF Bhawan, yesterday.
The victory for the party is special as it was given by the people who have again shown their faith in the SDF party by voting for the party’s candidates, he added.
He informed that data has been collected and proper compilation is going on, but more or less 96 per cent of voting in the elections has been in favour of the party and he added that there has also been an improvement in the percentage as compared to the 2007 elections.
“In some Wards, we had more than one party candidate wanting to contest the elections, so we left the elections open for contest, so that the best and strongest candidate could win”, he stated.
He further informed that the SDF party has a research and analysis wing and now as the elections are over this wing would be looking into all the 927 Wards and the Zillas to find out how the party has performed in different areas and where it needs to work harder.
“Overall the party and the candidates have performed well, but there are some places where we need to see what more can be done to strengthen the party”, added Mr Dahal.
On the independent candidates who have won in the elections, he stated that a committee would be formed to look into who were the ‘genuine’ independent candidates and those who have been fronted by the opposition. Based on this committee’s recommendation the decision to induct the independent candidates into the party would be taken.
Speaking further on dissident Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], he said that as he did not have a party there was no way of identifying his candidates.
“Moreover, as they got back door entry to contest in the elections, his candidates have not fared well. They should have opened a party before fighting the elections, if they had done so then it would have been interesting”, he stated. Their supposed strong holds such as Soreong and Malbasey where they had even held meetings have been swept clean by the SDF party candidates, he added.
He added that the SDF party would sweep all the 32 seats in the Assembly polls and also the Lok Sabha seat in the coming general elections.