Feminism has taken centre stage at the start of the election campaign in Sikkim.
P.S. Tamang (Golay)-led Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) that had dethroned Pawan Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in 2019 has launched a strong campaign against the Opposition party for failing to field a single women candidate in the polls.
Elections to the 32-member Sikkim Assembly and the lone Lok Sabha seat will be held on April 19.
“The SDF’s thoughts towards women have been exposed as the party has failed to provide tickets to even a single woman. The only woman whose name had featured on the SDF’s first list of candidates was replaced immediately,” said a representative of the SKM.
Dr Sangita Bhandari had been nominated as the SDF’s candidate in the Rhenock Assembly segment. She was replaced almost immediately by former SDF minister Somnath Poudyal.
SKM president Golay is contesting from two seats — Rhenock and Soreng. Many believe Golay’s candidature was one of the reasons for Bhandari's replacement.
Chamling expressed his disappointment with the SDF being unable to nominate a women candidate.
“It is true that there is no female presence and I am disappointed. We wanted to give a ticket (to a woman) but we couldn't. This is the party’s decision and I am hurt. From the party’s side, we could not give a ticket,” said Chamling.
On the other hand, Golay’s SKM had provided tickets to four women, including Krishna Kumari Rai, who is the chief minister's wife.
While Golay’s wife will be contesting from the Namchi-Singhithang constituency, Kala Rai has been nominated from Upper Burtuk, Panim Lepcha from Gnathang-Machong and Raj Kumari Thapa from the Yangang Rangang constituency.
The SDF was, however, quick to pick on the nomination of Golay’s wife. “Giving a ticket to a family member is more of nepotism than feminism,” quipped an SDF supporter.
On Wednesday, which is the last date for filing nominations in Sikkim, Chamling who is contesting from two seats, Namcheybung and Poklok Kamrang, submitted his papers.
The SDF has nominated former MP P.D. Rai as the Lok Sabha candidate.
