SDF blames Singling incident on ‘regime’ nurtured there by PS Tamang’s

GANGTOK, 21 March: The Sikkim Democratic Front has claimed that neither the party, nor the Chakung-Soreng MLA, RB Subba, were responsible for the ‘unfortunate incident’ at Singling, Soreng, in West Sikkim, where two persons were injured in a clash. The party has instead countered that such incidents “are only representative of the kind of regime maintained by MLA, PS Golay, in the area” and further questioned “why else there is no such issue in other parts of the state?” Mr Golay represented the area till the last Assembly elections and was moved to Burtuk constituency in East Sikkim this time.
A joint press release issued by spokespersons of the party, the former and present Lok Sabha MPs Bhim Dahal and PD Rai, claimed that the present area MLA, Mr. Subba, visited the area as part of an ongoing door-to-door campaign of the party and that it was an “old enmity” of youth which triggered the incident. While one youth, reportedly aligned with Mr. Tamang was grievously hurt, and a subsequent mob backlash left the assailant battered and the visiting MLA’s vehicle vandalized last Friday.

Striking is its most aggressive tone in addressing the disgruntled MLA, the SDF press release, apart from accusing him of nurtured a regime in the area which encouraged violence, has suggested that Mr. Tamang resign from the Assembly [where continues to be recorded as an SDF MLA] and “fight on his own ticket and party to continue the democratic process”.
“The poor people of Burtuk [which Mr. Tamang represents], who voted him to power in the SDF party, are now fed up and want him to resign. They would like to choose another candidate who would represent their constituency in a more productive manner,” the release reads, while adding, “It is pertinent to note that the SDF party and its leadership is responsible making him an MLA four times and a Minister 3 times”.
While closing with the appeal to “let democracy prevail”, the SDF spokespersons stress that “those who want to oppose from within the party and not maintain party discipline can leave and form their own party”.
It adds that anyone is free to form a party and come into the political arena, and stresses that the SDF will however oppose ‘anti-people and undemocratic’ sections which work in a ‘clandestine manner’.
The reference here is obviously to the slew of anonymous pamphlets and doctored MMS and CD recordings being circulated in the State.
“Those who are now taking recourse to malafide ways of airing views and that too trying to make it look as if it is coming from the SDF stable will be advised not to do so,” the release stresses, adding that the motive behind this circulation “smacks of plotting against democracy and the people of Sikkim and this is heavily conspiratorial in its design.”
“Democracy allows for people to ventilate their views even if it is against the government. But they have to do it in their name and banner, why the difficulty in identifying themselves?” the spokespersons ask.
The release adds that in a democracy people are welcome to form parties and to voce their opinions, and adds that this also also then requires them to take responsibility for their actions. “When one comes into the public domain then one has to be prepared to face the public questioning and scrutiny,” they stress.