Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Sikkim for bagging the gold at the Future Policy Award in Rome for being the world’s first totally organic state, but made no mention of chief minister Pawan Chamling who is credited with helming the green mission.

In his regular “Mann ki baat” address, the Prime Minister said Sikkim won the gold by defeating 51 nominated policies from 25 countries.

“A few days ago, Sikkim won the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award, 2018 for encouraging the sustainable food system. This award is given by the UN body Food & Agriculture Organisation. You will be delighted to know that this best policy making award is equivalent to an Oscar in the sector...For this, I heartily compliment the people of Sikkim,” he said.

Chamling had received the award on behalf of the state at a function in Rome earlier in the month.

The award, which is organised jointly by the FAO, The World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM – Organics International, celebrates policies that create better living conditions for current and future generations with the aim to raise global awareness for these exemplary policies and speed up policy action towards just, sustainable and peaceful societies.

Narendra Modi Telegraph picture

The fact that Modi avoided mentioning the name of Chamling in his congratulatory comment is being seen here as a reflection of the growing distance between the ruling Sikkim Democratic Party (SDF) and the BJP, which are both members of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre and are also partners in the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).

“Even during Modi’s visit to Sikkim last month, he appeared to have given a cold shoulder to Chamling. The chief minister, too, has played his part in the cold war by repeatedly referring to the BJP as a party from outside. The BJP wants to mark its presence in the state, and the SDF is loath to giving even an inch to other parties, let alone the BJP,” said a political analyst.

Whether or not Modi is willing to acknowledge it, Chamling is credited with the success of the state’s organic mission.

Since the idea of organic farming germinated in 2013, the chief minister has made a strong political commitment to make a success of the mission. Ironically, it was Modi who had declared Sikkim to be the first totally organic state in the country during his first visit to the state in 2016.