PD Rai, the most efficient MP from Sikkim so far: SDF

GANGTOK, 30 Mar: Sikkim Democratic Front spokesperson, Bhim Dahal, himself a former Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, stated yesterday that PD Rai has been the most efficient MP that the state has had so far.

“Mr. Rai has been very competent in raising issues of the state in the Parliament and working in coordination with central ministries,” he said.

Mr. Dahal was responding to the allegations leveled by Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Lok Sabha candidate, TN Dhakal on the SDF Lok Sabha candidate during the SKM meeting held at Burtuk on Friday. Mr Dhakal had alleged that the SDF MP has failed to speak up or raise important issues related to the state in the Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, according to Parliamentary Research Service’s [PRS] legislative research data, amongst the MPs of the North East, Mr. Rai has the best record of questions asked having participated in 70 debates in the Lok Sabha when the national average is 38. After him on the participation scale from the northeast is Raman Deka of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Assam who has participated in 62 debates.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Mr. Dahal asked SKM to come up with positive debates instead of such irresponsible statements. He went on to criticize SKM leader and Upper Burtuk candidate, PS Tamang [Golay] where he said that Mr Golay had earlier won from the constituency on an SDF ticket due to the ruling party’s programmes and policies and not on his own merit.

“Now the people of Burtuk no longer have faith in him or his promises”, he contended.

Meanwhile, SDF member, Deo Kumar Pradhan, who had filed his nomination from Rhenock constituency as an independent candidate, withdrew his nomination on Saturday. He informed that he withdrew his candidature in the interest of the SDF party and extended full support to the SDF candidate of the constituency.