Political temperatures are rising in the Himalayan state of Sikkim as its two principal parties, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and rival Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), have stepped on their campaign pedal for the crucial Sikkim Assembly elections.
The Sikkim Assembly elections will be held along with the Lok Sabha elections. The focus, as expected, is on the Assembly election.
The Pawan Chamling-led SDF, dethroned in 2019 by Prem Singh Tamang Golay’s SKM, is trying to reinvent itself. Chamling served as Sikkim chief minister from 1994 to 2019.
Golay was once with the SDF until he rebelled 12 years ago.
Chamling's party has christened its campaign as SDF 2.0 version. Two-point-O (2.0) is a term used to denote a superior or more advanced version of the original.
As part of its new avatar, the SDF on Wednesday launched an online initiative called “The People’s Manifesto” to invite suggestions from the public for SDF’s 2024 election manifesto. “Through this online programme, one can share thoughts and suggestions with the party to be included in the manifesto.... The SDF considers everyone’s opinion important,” said Kavita Subba, vice-president, press and publicity, SDF.
The SDF’s initiative comes after the SKM-ruled government has been consistently holding outreach programmes with major announcements.
On Tuesday, the Sikkim government created more than 22,746 posts aimed at regularising the employment status of temporary workers. The government created another 1,948 posts to regularise teachers.
"Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to extending a helping hand to deprived families, enlightening every household with employment opportunities that lead to economic balance and prosperity. It’s our fervent vision that every member of underprivileged families secures a livelihood...,” said Golay through his verified Facebook account.
Observers believe that the Sikkim election will be fiercely contested this year. Apart from the SKM and SDF, the newly formed Citizen Action Party (CAP) is making a dent in urban areas. The BJP is also a power to reckon with in Sikkim after 2019, added an observer.
