Gangtok: A Shift Back to Party Politics
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay has confirmed that the state’s upcoming municipal and panchayat elections will revert to a party-based system. This decision reverses the SKM government’s previous stance, which allowed for party-less elections in 2021 and 2022. The announcement was made during the 7th Jan Unmukti Diwas event in Rangpo on Saturday.
Golay stated, “The upcoming elections for municipal bodies and panchayati raj will be party-based. This decision was made because many panchayats claim they won independently and were not backed by any party. We challenge those individuals to win independently against a party candidate.”
This move marks a significant shift from the approach taken by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) during their tenure, where local body elections were conducted under party banners.
Political Strategy and Electoral Implications
The SKM, which came to power in 2019, initially faced challenges with a political landscape dominated by SDF-affiliated panchayats and councillors. In response, the SKM introduced party-less elections, allowing independent candidates to contest. Many of these independents eventually aligned with the SKM, strengthening the ruling party’s position.
Golay used the platform to criticize the SDF, noting, “Those wishing to save Sikkim (SDF) have been reduced to nothing. The one legislator from SDF has also joined us. Their leader himself lost from two constituencies.”
Addressing GLOF Victims and Journalists’ Welfare
In addition to the electoral announcement, Golay addressed other significant issues, including the rehabilitation of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) victims. “From September, GLOF-affected areas across the Teesta basin will see the beginning of rehabilitation under the Punar Vyas Yojana. Those who lost their homes or land will be provided housing, and those currently living in rented accommodations will receive free housing under the Janta Housing Scheme for three years,” Golay said.
The Chief Minister also introduced a pension scheme for retired journalists in Sikkim. “The monthly or annual allowance is yet to be fixed, but the State government has allocated Rs. 20 lakh to the IPR department for the pension scheme,” he announced.
Budget Insights and Opposition Response
Golay outlined the State Budget for 2024-25, revealing key allocations: 40 percent for salaries, 14 percent for pensions following the introduction of one rank, one pension, 7 percent for loan repayments, 7 percent for interest on loans, and 29 percent for development.
Responding to criticism from the opposition Citizen Action Party Sikkim regarding the budget, Golay dismissed their concerns, stating, “They have no representation in the Assembly, so if they are unhappy with the budget, we do not care. This budget is for a bright and prosperous Sikkim. If we were a disappointment as they claim, why would the people vote for us in all constituencies?”
Gangtokian Web Team, 12/08/2024