Sikkim Pradesh Congres's drive against Anna Hazare & Baba Ramdev backfires

GANGTOK: All India Congress Committee has organized a public meeting at the office of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) at Development area, Gangtok on 25th June. During the meeting (AICC) Secretary, Sikkim In Charge, Dr. K Jaykumar had to face strong protest from own party cadres after he maintained a soft stand on corruption charges labeled against state Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling by Sikkim Pradesh Congress Party (SPCC) long back.

Jaykumar was here in Sikkim to address AICC public meeting at congress head office premises. The meeting supposed to cry uproar on much tweeted Baba Ramdev’s movement for repositioning of black money and Anna Hazare’s movement for Jan Lokpal bill, proved to be a backfire move for the AICC itself here at Sikkim after their own PCC and general members cried foul on central government’s soft stand on corruption charges of almost 9000 crores laid by SPCC against ruling SDF members some time back. The disturbance started when Jaykumar was counting the anti corruption initiatives of AICC which SPCC members found hard to digest. Thus others started condemning Jaykumar’s speech that led him to stop his speech in the middle.

As to calm his fellow congressmen, Jaykumar assured that he will look in to the demands and grievances made by congress men and would include it in their work action proposal. He also assured to bring out their work action proposal within 15 days. However still he could not complete his speech and had to leave in middle after facing intense protests.

Earlier, Jaykumar cried foul on Baba Ramdev’s agitation for repositioning of black money and termed him as a bluff under saffron. “BJP, RSS, Viswa Hindu Parishad and others are backing Ramdev’s agitation. Why are Gadkari and other BJP leader backing him then”, he had questioned earlier. Also claiming Anna Hazare’s call for Jan Lokpal bill as a move to create political turmoil upon central government, Jaykumar stated that if this bill was important for opposition parties and civil society, why wasn’t the demand raised at the time of BJP tenure, he questioned.

Earlier, PCC member, JB Darnal demanded immediate CBI enquiry upon corruption charges tagged on Pawan Kumar Chamling and others. Similarly, other speakers blamed the AICC for reacting in a cold manner to the SPCC programmes and initiatives.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) presidential elections postponed

GANGTOK, September 21: In a major blow to incumbent Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Nar Bahadur Bhandari, the All India Congress Committee has postponed the election process of the State unit till further announcement.
Bhandari was all set to become the SPCC president for the third consecutive term as he was the lone candidate in the fray after the nomination process ended on September 13. His rival, KN Upreti had backed out demanding that the new SPCC president should be nominated by the AICC.
Upreti, who is also the senior vice president in the party, had contended that the elections for the SPCC president had created a major division in the party as two camps emerged-one in his favour and other pitching for Bhandari.
The SPCC vice-president and his supporters had asserted that they would not be accepting Bhandari as their party president through the ‘divisionary’ election process. However, they were ready to accept him as their party president if he is nominated by the AICC.
Upreti went to New Delhi and approached the party high command on September 14 and as it appears now, his perseverance has paid off with the SPCC presidential elections postponed.
A statement from Congress returning officer Zubair Khan as forwarded by SPCC functionary Avinash Yakha states: “Due to some unavoidable circumstances the election process for organisational election – 2010 of PCC president, PCC executive, AICC members and Pradesh election committees in Sikkim has been postponed till further announcement”.
Khan had stayed in Gangtok till September 12, the penultimate day for filing of nominations. He was overseeing the election process of the SPCC.


SPCC President N.B.Bhandari



Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS over phone, Khan said that Upreti had approached the party high command on the SPCC president election issue. While giving orders that the SPCC election process be postponed, Congress chief election officer Oscar Franandez has assured Upreti to enquire into his grievances and come up with a decision soon, he said.

The postponement order from faxed to the SPCC headquarters here on September 17, at a moment when it was being asked when Bhandari will take up his president post for the third consecutive time.
As per the party sources, the announcement of Bhandari as the new president was supposed to take place today but contrary to the expectations, the statement about the election process being postponed came.

When his response was sought on the postponement, Bhandari said that he has no statements to make at the moment.



Meanwhile, Upreti told Sikkim Express that he and his supporters had met Sikkim in-charge Luizino Faleriaro at Delhi on September 14. When he heard our grievances, he called up Zubair Khan and in consultation with Oscar Fernandez, the SPCC election process has been postponed till further notice, he said.

“We told the party high command that Bhandari is not very much interested in fulfilling his responsibilities as the SPCC president. Since the 2009 elections, he has not met party president Sonia Gandhi and was averse to maintaining good relations and network with the party high command which had a demoralizing effect on the party supporters here”, said Upreti.

Upreti said that he briefed the party high command that elections to the SPCC president post have created huge divisions in the party. We want the SPCC president to be nominated by the AICC president but Bhandari got scared and remained adamant on the elections, he said.

Even the central leadership is not happy with Bhandari, though whether he would be retained as the SPCC president by the party president is another matter, said Upreti.

On asked what will happen next, Upreti said that the party high command would be submitting a report to Sonia Gandhi. What decision she would take, we cannot say at this juncture, he said. The decision will come in next 10-12 days and we are hoping for an early conclusion, he said.

When asked if he is ready to accept the SPCC president post if the party high command opts for him instead of Bhandari, Upreti replied in affirmative. “I will accept the decision”, he said.

Sikkim Opposition Parties demands enquiry into multi-crore fraud attempt

Gangtok, November 20: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has demanded the investigating agencies like CID should be independent hand for conducting in-depth investigation in major crimes like the multi-crore scam to hoodwink State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) which was busted recently.

In a press statement, SPCC congratulated the CID and State Intelligence Bureau for their ‘unprecedented success’ in busting the serious racket of Rs. 85 crores. The party said that names of those influential persons involved in the case should be made public so these big names are exposed. Culprits must be punished irrespective of their official, social and political status, the party said.

The SPCC added that ever since the formation of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in Sikkim, the State has been witnessing innumerable major crimes. The opposition party highlighted cases like printing of fake currency notes, operation of illegal private banks like Teena, Bharosa and Siddhi, which swindled away crores of rupees of the depositors, smuggling of red sandalwood.

“The commitment of the SDF government to uproot corruption and illegal activities from the face of Sikkim has so far proved complete failure. Instead there has been constant increase in such activities”, said the SPCC.

Meanwhile,State BJP vice president Padam Chettri has demanded that an appropriate Central government agency to probe into the attempted financial fraud in Sikkim that came into light recently thanks to a CID Sikkim expose.
“The accused persons are from outside the State and the criminal case has national and international ramifications. Moreover it has foreign exchange angle since the International Bills of Exchange is involved”, said Chettri today in a press statement. He demanded that the case should be investigated by the appropriate Central government agency such as CBI.
The BJP vice president has decided to approach the CBI Director requesting the agency to take up the case

SIKKIM UNIVERSITY Land acquisitions are eyewash:SPCC

GANGTOK, November 7: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has expressed its apprehensions on the public hearing that took place recently in South District for acquisition of land for Sikkim University at Yangang.
In a press statement, SPCC general secretary KN Lepcha said that the party is concerned whether genuine public hearing can take place as ‘past experiences were nothing but eyewash only as the public were not permitted to participate in such public hearings’.
“The entire procedures were dominated by the ministers and concerned area MLAs and the lands were acquired much against the wishes of the land owners”, said the SPCC.
Further in the event of compulsory acquisition of such a vast extent of land for Sikkim University what safeguard the State government is contemplating to provide to the land owners, the SPCC said.
The party demanded the State Government to ensure that the concerned land owners are adequately compensated, rehabilitated both physically and economically.

Sikkim Congress flays Chamling govt for SMIT clash

Gangtok, Sept 9 : Congress today flayed the Pawan Kumar Chamling government for its failure to handle the law and order situation arising out of the clashes between students of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT).

Chamling's claim that Sikkim is an abode of peace and tranquillity has been "dented irreparably" due to the violence in SMIT campus yesterday in which seven students were injured, Sikkim PCC general secretary K N Lepcha said in a statement.

The incident had communal and regional overtones akin to that of Maharashtra, he alleged adding that he was not at all surprised at the regional politics that was played out in the institute.

The clash reflected Chamling government's outlook of breeding regional sentiments among the people for the sake of political power, he said and urged the people not to be swayed by its communal and divisive policies.

- Agencies

SDF party is terrorizing voters: Bhandari

GANGTOK, September 8: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Nar Bahadur Bhandari today accused the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party of terrorizing the voters of Namchi-Singithang constituency.
In a letter to the DGP, Mr. Bhandari requested the police to ensure that democratic rights of the voters who are going to exercise their political rights are not eroded at any cost.
“It is observed during the election campaign of the Indian National Congress that the people are afraid to come out of their homes and listen to the speeches of INC. Their fears were expressed through confidential calls made to the leaders of INC, who are camping at Namchi”, said Mr. Bhandari.

Addressing a press meet today at SPCC head office here at Development Area, Mr. Bhandari alleged SDF of using its legislatures, panchayats and government officials for strong arm tactics. The SDF party is terrorizing the voters, he said.
Commenting on the upcoming bye-polls, Mr. Bhandari dared the SDF party to vacate the Namchi-Singithang seat to the opposition if the ruling front believes in democracy. The SDF party should not be so serious for one single seat as they have already 31 legislatures in the Assembly, he said.
The SPCC president also accused the SDF candidate Binod Rai of being a poor choice by the ruling party.
Accusing the SDF government of delaying the recommendations of the Fourth Pay Commission, the SPCC president demanded that the employees must get their dearness allowances before Dasai. He also slammed the ruling front on a host of issues including unemployment, inflation, corruption and casteism

Cong gears up for Sikkim

GANGTOK, 20 AUG: The Congress has begun preparations for the forthcoming by-election in Sikkim. Stressing the need of an Opposition member in the 32-member state Assembly, the SPCC president and former chief minister Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari slammed the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) for its involvement in “un-democratic practices” in the state Assembly.
Mr Bhandari claimed today that the Congress would field a candidate in the by-election for the Namchi-Singithang Assembly constituency in South Sikkim.
The election would be held on 15 September. The seat fell vacant after the chief minister and SDF president Mr Pawan Chamling resigned following his victory in both the Namchi-Singithang and Poklok-Kamrang seats of South Sikkim in the April Assembly elections.
The Sikkim Democratic Front had won all 32 Assembly seats in the elections.
The Congress has forwarded the names of two party members, Mr Yuva Raj Rai and Mr Avinash Yakha as prospective candidates for the Namchi-Singithang seat. The Congress is also expecting support of the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party and the CPI-M in the by-poll.
Terming Sikkim as an EVM victim, the SPCC president criticized the SDF government for violating the model code of conduct by using the “questionable” EVMs in the Assembly and General elections in April 2009.
It may be mentioned, Mr Bhandari had filed a case in the Sikkim High Court and later in the Supreme Court questioning the credibility and integrity of the EVMs used in Sikkim after the 2004 elections.
“How can the state use the same EVMs while the case is sub-judice?” he questioned today.
According to Mr Bhandari, EVM demonstration conducted across the country revealed several flaws in the system.
Mr Bhandari himself being a member of the EVM demonstration forum, said that
in one instance the resultant votes shown for 22 button pushes was only 2 while in another case 4 button pushes showed 22 votes cast in the EVM. He further said that similar demonstrations could be conducted in Sikkim subject to the people's demand.

SPCC wants SDF Govt to treat the people of Lachen in equal terms as any other Sikkimese

SDF condemns allegations, says it is a desperate attempt to tarnish its popularity
GANGTOK, August 12: Reacting over the recent memorandum submitted to the President of India by the people of Lachen about the “SDF Government’s discriminating the people of Lachen”, the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has demanded the State Government to “realize its responsibility and act as a democratically established institution duly honouring the principle of democracy in both letter and spirit and treat the people of Lachen in equal terms as any other Sikkimese.”
A party release issued by Kunga Nima Lepcha, SPCC, general secretary (media and spokesperson) states that “SDF’s atrocities on the down-trodden Sikkimese have reached its Nadir, with the memorandum of the people of Lachen submitted to the President of India as an evidence.”
Referring to the memorandum submitted to the President of India, the release points out that the “SDF Government has been constantly discriminating the people of Lachen by depriving them from all kinds of developmental schemes.” The release further said that the people Lachen have to live a harsh life in hostile climatic condition which compels them to live like nomads.
“The oppressive and extreme discriminative attitude of the State Government coupled with the step-motherly treatment of the SDF Government executed through its Ministers, MLAs and the State Government officials has driven the Lachenpas to such an extreme that they have started questioning whether they belong to India, the country they have endeared so much as their own motherland and are ready to lay down their lives in her defense. They have represented to the President of India for establishing their citizenship.” reads the release.
The release further said that the “depressed Lachenpas have expressed their anguish on the economic deprivation unleashed on them by the autocratic SDF Government under the leadership of Pawan Chamling as its Chief Minister. They have prayed to the President for restoration of their democratic rights or else they should be permitted to go to Tibet/China in the event their citizenship is ascertained as Tibetan/Chinese. They have expressed that they could no longer tolerate to see their family members suffering from want of bare minimum necessities.”
“Sikkim is a part and parcel of the Union of India. As such the people living within the boundary of Sikkim including the Lachenpas are, without an iota of doubt the citizens of India. They are entitled to all the benefits of the developmental schemes or programs. Any act of discrimination towards the people of Sikkim shall go to violate the Fundamental Rights so guaranteed by the Constitution. Besides, even the provision of the Human Rights. Act, 1948 confers that every citizen on earth has the right to live a dignified life,” the release further read.
On the other hand, the SDF has today condemned all the allegations. Terming it as an attempt made by Kunga Nima Lepcha to defame the popularity of SDF Government, a party release states that the ruling SDF government has always been proactive in safeguarding the people of Sikkim irrespective of caste, creed, religion and topography.
The party has at the same time urged the people not to get carried away by such rumour. The ruling party has also said that the allegations were nothing but a desperate attempt of the SPCC to tarnish the image of SDF party after their shameful defeat in the recent general election

Sikkim party SHRP likely to merge with Sikkim Congress

GANGTOK, 29 JULY: Setting aside ideological differences, the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party, a Sikkim-based regional outfit is likely to merge into the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Party. The state Congress sources informed that the SHRP had already submitted a memorandum to the Congress High Command over the merger proposal and it was under consideration. The merger is likely to take place in the presence of the AICC member in charge of Sikkim Mr Luizinho Faleiro who is camping now in Gangtok. When asked to comment on the matter, the state Congress president Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari said that the issue lay with the SHRP leadership. The Congress and the SHRP were mauled at the hands of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front in the last Parliamentary elections. Viewed against this backdrop, the merger move might be construed as an attempt by the Opposition to put forward a challenge to the ruling party. Earlier in February 2009, three national parties, namely the Congress, BJP and CPI (M) and two regional parties, Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party and the SHRP formed the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance. But it failed to make any dent into the SDF's support base in the state as was evident from the election outcome

Sikkim Congress President N.B.Bhandari Supports Gorkhaland

GANGTOK, June 20: The Sikkim Congress chief and former chief minister Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari has expressed support towards the Gorkhaland demand. He also criticised senior Congress leader and Union ministers Mr Pranab Mukerjee and Priya Ranjan Das Munshi for their anti-Gorkhaland stand. “If these ministers are against Gorkahland, why are they supporting the Telangana movement?” he questioned. While expressing solidarity towards the Gorkhas and the separate state movement he criticised the Centre too claiming that if the Centre was against Gorkhaland, it should discontinue Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh as independent states and restore those to their earlier positions. Urging the GJMM chief Mr Bimal Gurung against compromising with the Gorkhaland demand, Mr Bhandari advised the GJMM to continue its movement on Gandhian principals. “The demand for Gorkhaland is their constitutional right,” he added.When asked about Sikkim was facing problems due to the Gorkhaland movement he said, they are fighting for their right and so smaller problems will have to be ignored. “We should also support them by setting up a core-committee,” he added

Sikkim CM's disproportionate assets case again deferred

GANGTOK, October 30: The disproportionate assets case against the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has once again been deferred by the Supreme Court.
The date of hearing, which was supposed to take place today, has been adjourned till further notice. According to sources, the case could not be listed today.
However, some reports have suggested that the petitioners had requested the Supreme Court for the adjournment as their counsel was out of the country.
Four senior member of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee KN Lepcha Major T Gyatso, PR Subba and Balchand Sarda had filed the case against the Chief Minister in the month of August, last year.
It may be recalled that the case had been deferred to October 30 by the Supreme Court earlier this year.
The date of hearing, which was supposed to take place on August 29, has been deferred due to the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Four senior member of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee KN Lepcha Major T Gyatso, PR Subba and Balchand Sarda had filed the case against the Chief Minister in the month of August, last year.

SIKKIM CONGRESS CRIES FOUL, SAYS POLLS NOT FAIR

GANGTOK, October 26: Although reports indicate a fair and peaceful Panchayat polls today, the Opposition Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) has surfaced with allegations of rigging and malpractice from Bhusuk School Polling Booth, Upper Samdong Polling Booth and from Rinchenpong.
The party supreme Nar Bahadur Bhandari along with General Secretary, SPCC, Kunga Nima Lepcha, Secretary, Panchayat Election Cell of SPCC DB Basnet and Booth Secretary of 31, Gangtok, Mohan Prasad today visited several Polling stations contiguous to Gangtok.
A press release issued by the party states that the Bhusuk School Polling booth was not only manned by only two police but had ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party workers transport voters in taxi vehicle bearing Registration number SK-04-5754. The release further reveals that the voters were treated to lavish lunch and drinks at the residence of the SDF party candidate for the Bhusuk Panchayat Ward.
Basing these activities as violation of Section 1 (4) (a) and Section 4 (7) of the Model Code of Conduct, the opposition Congress as stated in the release had immediately reported the matter to the Secretary of the State Election Commission who later noted the report as well as assured for appropriate action.
The release also informs of a Scorpio bearing number SK-02-7128 engaged in transporting voters and involved in other illegal activities in Turung.
Emphasizing that the polling of votes must start at 7.00am and close at 4.00pm as per Election Rules, the SPCC states that a poling booth in Rinchenpong constituency, West District was sealed before 3.00pm thereby depriving the voters coming to cast their votes of their right to franchise.
The SPCC further states that the Electronic Voting Machine issued to Upper Samdong Police Booth went defective twice after recording a number of votes. The party has questioned on the implications of the vote count of the casted votes if a new machine is used for recording the remaining voters

SIKKIM RECORDS MORE THAN 80 PERCENT VOTER TURNOUT IN RURAL POLL

GANGTOK, October 26: The Gram and Zilla Panchayat elections were conducted smoothly and peacefully all over the State today.
The polling process started from 8 am after the polling stations were opened. Electronic Voting Machines were used for the first time ever in the civil polls in Sikkim. An estimated 1.41 lakh electorate cast their franchise today to decide the fate of 835 candidates in the fray for 47 Zilla Panchayat and 304 gram Panchayat seats amid tight security arrangements.
No poll rigging or disturbances were reported from any polling booths across the State.
The poll fever was missing from the Capital and its surrounding areas as it has been declared as Municipal Area for which the voting will be held next year in January.
The State Election Commission had set up 524 polling stations across the four Districts and deployed 3144 polling personnel and 1048 policemen to conduct free and fair polls for 47 Zilla Panchayat seats out of a total of 93 seats of which 45 candidates have been elected unopposed pending a formal announcement after the conclusion of polls. With regard to the gram Panchayat polls, a total of 711 candidates are contesting 304 seats out of 889 of which 585 candidates have been elected unopposed pending an official announcement.
Today’s polls saw a huge turnout of women voters, perhaps bolstered by the 40 per cent reservation accorded to them in the Panchayat by the State Government.
“We enjoy 40 per cent reservation as compared to women of other States in the country, so what can be more exhilarating and encouraging than this,” Devika Chettri, a female voter from Aho Yangtham Ward under Losing Pacheykhani constituency, said while talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS.
CP Dewan, State Election Commissioner informed that EVM malfunctions were reported from Lower Tintek (East Sikkim), Perbing, Melli Gonpa, Kaetang (South Sikkim) and Kaluk in West Sikkim. “Although no such technical snags were reported from North District, the default EVM Machines were replaced immediately in other three Districts,” Mr. Dewan informed.
Lower Lingzya in North Sikkim was recorded as the ward with least voters. The ward had only 48 voters while Melli Ward of South Sikkim recorded maximum voters with 1,179 voters.
As per the information received from the State Election Commission, there were a total of 841 contesting candidates both for Gram as well as for Zilla Panchayats. For the Gram Panchayat the election were held in 304 wards for 717 contesting candidates. Meanwhile for 47 Zilla Panchayat seats there were 124 candidates contesting.
The latest data reveals 575 Gram Panchayat and 46 Zilla Panchayats as uncontested winners including one independent Panchayat candidate and the rest are all SDF party candidates.
Interestingly, this year’s rural poll also saw the participation of Opposition parties such as the Sikkim Pradesh Congress and Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party. The Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) and Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party boycotted the elections. On the other hand, although the SDF party has already secured 66% win uncontested the. Most the independent candidates who withdrew their nominations unofficially were also seen busy campaigning and supporting the ruling party candidates.
The voting ended at 4 pm in the evening after which the EVM machines were sealed in front of the contesting candidates and were sent to the Strong Rooms under the thorough vigil and supervision of the Police.
The counting of the votes will be held on October 29 from 8 am at Indoor Gymnasium Hall for the East District. For other three Districts the counting will be held at Indoor Gymnasium Hall (Namchi), Zilla Bhawan, Gyalshing and Zilla Bhawan, Mangan. The election for Nabey Shotak ward under Kabi Tingda constituency will be held on November 24. No nominations were made from the said ward earlier.
Likewise, the selection of Adyakshas and Up-Adyakshas from Zilla Panchayats will be held on November 5. Meanwhile the selection of Sabhapati, Upa-sabhapati and Sachiv will be on November 6 for Gram Panchayat Units.
However, till the filing of this report the total voting turn in the State as per official statement was 90 per cent.
In the South District, the public voted for 106 wards for the Gram Panchayat representatives in which a total of 265 candidates were in the fray. The fates of 38 candidates in 13 Zilla Panchayat Territorial Constituencies in 183 polling booths were also sealed today in the South District.
In both the Gram and Zilla Panchayats, the Independent candidates in fray were more in comparison to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front party and other Opposition parties in other three Districts.
The Electronic Voting Machines will be reaching to Namchi District headquarters under the tight security by tonight today. Although the official statement is yet to come, observers hint that more than 80 per cent votes were polled today in the South District.
In the West District, out of the nine constituencies, all the candidates from two constituencies of Chakung and Hee-Bermiok were declared uncontested. In the remaining seven constituencies, people voted for eight Zilla Panchayats and 35 Gram Panchayat Units.
There were seven GPUs in Yoksam, six from Tashiding, six from Gyalshing, three from Daramdin, five from Soreng and nine from Rinchepong. In the Zilla Panchayats, there were one each from Dentam and Rinchenpong and two each from Tashiding, Daramdin and Soreng.

Sikkim Opp cries foul again

GANGTOK, Oct. 10: The four Opposition parties of the state ~ Congress, BJP, CPI-M and Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad ~ have requested the State Election Commission to foil the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front's alleged bid to rig the upcoming panchayat polls in the state. The Opposition parties, meanwhile, have appreciated the Election Commission's decision to replace the returning officer of Soreng sub-division in West Sikkim during filing of nomination papers. "We believe that by doing so the EC has proved its credibility. We expect the EC officials to take action on several representations submitted by the Opposition parties and individuals," a letter sent to the EC by the Opposition parties, read. The Opposition leaders have suggested the EC to strictly implement the election code of conduct. "We have noticed that still many ministers, MLAs, chairpersons and advisors are using government vehicles for electioneering," they said. The Opposition parties have urged the EC to prevent the SDF from defacing buildings, walls and trees in the name of electioneering. They have also criticised the SDF for publicising the recent 40 per cent seat allotment to women in the panchayat polls through banners. The Opposition leaders have urged the EC to remove such banners.

Bhandari alleges that Panchayat elections won't be fair

GANGTOK, October 07: Former Chief Minister and President, Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) Nar Bahadur Bhandari, has demanded a strong legal action against ST Tamang, the former Returning Officer, Soreng Sub-division for alleged administrative failure.
In a press conference called today at the head office here, Mr. Bhandari also said that the incident at Soreng was entirely “cooked up” by RB Subba, Area MLA of Soreng.
“The appointment of BB Subba as the new Returning Officer is also a ploy of RB Subba,” the SPCC chief alleged. He demanded more stronger action against Sonam Tshering Tamang for his unfair
Stating that this time’s Panchayat election is all controversial and unfair in Sikkim, Mr. Bhandari also demanded a probe by the Election Commission where an allegation was made over the incident in which the concerned area MLA utilized a government vehicle for the election campaign.
During the time of final scrutiny of the candidates, the SDF party made one Tenphuti Bhutia of Soreng constituency to fill up the nomination over night without submitting the prior formalities as per the Election Commission, he alleges. Stating the incident as entirely against the code of conduct and the norms of the election commission, he also alleged SDF party workers for beating up one of the SPCC candidates in West District. “Fourteen of the SPCC candidates in Soreng are under political pressure by SDF party workers,” he informed.
The entire details will be intimated to the Commission for further necessary actions he said adding “Central Government and Home Department should also initiate in the fair play.”
He too criticized the foreign tour of the Chief Minister as “leisure trip” stating that he is not in the State when its people needed him the most.
Dwelling on the sixth schedule of Darjeeling won by the DGHC, Mr. Bhandari stated that the same is not all in favour of the people of Darjeeling. “Darjeeling’s dream of getting Gorkhaland is being shattered day by day due to the inefficient effort of Subash Ghishing,” he alleged.

Mr. Bhandari also further added that winning of panchayat seats by uncontestant candidates means denying local people a right to choose their representative at grass root level.

2 Senior Congress Members Joins Sikkim Democratic Front

Geyzing,October7: The Sikkim Democratic Front party received a shot in the arm with 2 senior congressmen, who broke ranks with the SPCC yesterday, joining the party.Their joining was announced by the youth leader of the West Sikkim SDF party, Mr B.B.Rai, amid allegations made by the SPCC that the two congressmen had been lured away by the SDF party.

The senior Congress members from namely Shri Dinesh Khaling and Ganga Prasad Dhalla in the presence of Geyzing MLA & SDF Minister Sher Bahadur Subedi in Ward 3 informed today to journalists that they have decided to leave Sikkim Pradesh Congress party headed by Shri NarBahadur Bhandari as it has no people programmes and policies with political ethics to bring any benefits to Sikkimese people and therefore have decided to join Sikkim Democratic Front party under leader Dr.Pawan Chamling who has played a visionary role in bringing development and people centric policies and programmes to bring a change at grass root level itself.

we both have decided to join the SDF party and They said, "they were waiting for an opportune moment to quit Sikkim Congress and in view of ensuing Panchayat elections decided to do so."

N.B.Bhandari : Supporters Of Opposition Panchayat Candidates Face Harassment, Abuse

Gangtok, October3: The four opposition parties leaders led by SPCC president NarBahadur Bhandari informed that opposition candidates say they have been routinely stopped and harassed by the authorities, and have sometimes threatened by members of Sikkim Democratic Front for participating in the grass root elections in state scheduled to be held on October26. We will use the elections -- which are our constitutional right -- to conduct a broad political campaign. We hope to win this campaign."

The answer, he believes, is to take the message direct to the people -- by knocking on their doors.

But opposition activists find themselves harassed by the ruling party members told Tara Shrestha of SHRP as SDF wants opposition to withdraw their candidates from panchayat elections.

A delegation led by NarBahadur Bhandari and other senior opposition leaders has met Sikkim Election Commissioner as well as top brass of Sikkim police alleging obstruction and also to record their protests against unfair methods of SDF party.

Sikkim Opp unhappy with Panchayat poll date

GANGTOK, Sept. 26: The Opposition parties have criticised the state government's decision to hold the panchayat election during the festival season. It may be recalled that the State Election commission had yesterday hinted at holding the panchayat election tentatively on 26 October."The government has fixed election date in between Dusshera and Diwali. Moreover, we do not have adequate time to prepare for the elections," said a senior Congress leader. The Congress, though, has decided to fight the elections anyhow. "We have discussed the matter with our party high command in New Delhi. They have told us to participate in the polls without bothering about the government's dirty political game," the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president and former chief minister, Mr Nar Bahadur Bhandari, said.The CPI-M leaders are also unhappy with the government's "hasty" decision. "The State Election Commission had given Form A and B yesterday only. We have sent the forms to our head office in New Delhi," said Mr Anjan Upadhaya, senior CPI-M leader of the state. "We do not have adequate time and to prepare for the polls," he added. The Opposition parties, including BJP, Congress, CPI-M, Sikkim Sangram Parishad and Gorkha Prajatantrik Party had earlier requested the government to hold the polls after the festival season. The Opposition parties have also criticised the government over the seat reservation and delimitation issues. "The seat reservation and delimitation should have been made on community basis and not the party basis. We are planning to launch a non-cooperation movement against the government,” said Dr AD Subba, president of SHRP.

Sikkim Opposition Parties for delay in civic body elections

Gangtok, Sept14:Sikkim Democratic Front President and Sikkim Chief Minister addresses all Sikkim Panchayat Sammelan at indoor Palzor Stadium meeting in Gangtok on Wednesday, virtually kicking off the party’s campaign for the forthcoming civic body elections in Sikkim . However, A delegation of the the mainstream opposition political parties led by SPCC president Nar Bahadur Bhandari has met State Election Commissioner and submitted an appeal seeking delay in notifying the the forthcoming elections to the local bodies in Sikkim in view of present situation of state due to landslides,rain,road blockade which has disrupted everyday life of common man due to shortage of essential items and needs across the Sikkim.

The election commissioner has assured to look into their demands and decide on the issue after taking everything into consideration in a day or two .

The delegation also included State BJP president H.R.Pradhan,SHRP President Dr.A.D.Subba, Sikkim Sangram Parishad President RajendraUpraedi.

SPCC GRIEVANCE CELL CONDEMNS NEWS REPORT

GANGTOK, August 29: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee Grievance Cell has condemned the news report which appeared in one of the local Nepali dailies dated August 28 opining that postponement of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s Disproportionate Case would favour the SDF party.
“The writing of the local paper is condemned because it considers Sikkimese people too premature and childish in Sikkim politics. It is arbitrary and beyond journalistic ethics to come to the sole conclusion to improve the image of the SDF party,” states a press release issued by SK Bardewa, SPCC Public Grievance Cell.
Stating that the situation in Sikkim is politically fragile, primarily because of the issue of ACT, the Grievance Cell has said that the SDF government in turn will have to face horrible times in the coming two months. “Because of the ACT issue, there is mass discontentment among the people,” the release adds.
The release also states that the “Lepchas have finally understood that it was not money which was going to save them but the deity of Khangchendzonga, which is perhaps relevant today after the Zemu Glacier floated washing away bridges and large scale destruction in Dzongu.”
During a recent meeting convened, the Grievance Cell has also demanded that the Limboo and Tamang issue should not be confined to the celebrations of Birthday of Srijunga or the observance of Lochar alone further adding “the two tribal groups have started asserting their rights and their reservations in the ensuing panchayat elections.”
The release has also said that the Scheduled Caste has started to question on the “apartheid attitude” of the government towards them by not providing them with their legitimate right of acquiring a ministerial berth in the SDF government.
“The SDF government have neither established the Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 courts for SC/ST separately nor taken care of SC/ST especial development of manpower and economic development in comparison to the colossal input of fund from the Central government,” the release further reads.
The SPCC Grievance Cell has also expressed concern over the Dasai celebration considering the invisibility of budgetary provisions. It has also taken a serious note of the government towards depletion of budgetary provisions in various departments. This would be a set back of the SDF government.”
Emphasising that the SPCC is optimistic for the coiming panchayat elections, the Grievance Cell has stated that a large section of youth would participate in Panchayat election this time. “The youth in Sikkim have been the worst sufferer either in employment or even in contract or such negotiation of public work by SPWD,” the release contends.
The Grievance Cell has also expressed optimism on the postponement of the CM’s case adding “the public know that postponement of the disproportionate assets case would not either improve the situation.”