SKM Kishan Morcha Criticizes CAP-Sikkim Leader
Gangtok: The SKM Kishan Morcha, a front organization in Sikkim, criticized Ganesh Rai, the leader of CAP-Sikkim, for his recent remarks on state government veterinarians, as well as agriculture and horticulture officers. According to a short video clip that surfaced on social media on May 15, Rai said that veterinary and horticulture officers should be based in villages, where the livestock is located, instead of their offices in Gangtok and other town areas. Rai suggested shutting down the offices of agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry.
In response, SKM Kishan Morcha President Padam Sharma expressed surprise and dismay at Rai’s alleged statements, saying that the CAP-Sikkim chief coordinator should refrain from making such statements against the farmers. Sharma added that officers must be based in their offices to conduct research, develop new programs, and introduce new technologies that can benefit farmers. Furthermore, Sharma argued that veterinary officers from the department are already stationed in the fields to care for the villagers’ livestock.
Sharma also noted that the SKM government, which has been in power since 2019, has given top priority to the development of agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry sectors. Thanks to the incentives provided by the government, there has been a significant increase in milk production, vegetable production, and poultry farming in Sikkim.
Farmers and Officers Disheartened
CP Bhattarai, the vice president of SKM Kishan Morcha, stated that the veterinary, agriculture, and horticulture officers, along with the farmers of Sikkim, have been hurt by Rai’s remarks, which the organization strongly condemns.
Retraction and Apology for Rai’s Remarks
While it is the opposition’s duty to highlight the government’s shortcomings, SKM Kishan Morcha’s Sharma criticized Rai for suggesting the closure of agricultural and veterinary service offices. Sharma maintained that such statements against the farmers were foolish, and Rai must desist from making them.
SKM Kishan Morcha called on the CAP-Sikkim leader to retract his statements and apologize to the farmers, veterinary officers, and agriculture and horticulture officers.
A Message from a Social Media User
Amidst the controversy surrounding Ganesh Rai’s remarks, a social media user brings a different perspective. The user suggests that there might have been a misinterpretation of Rai’s statement, stating, “Misinterpretation of statement is common these days… Mr. Ganesh didn’t want to dishearten the departmental authorities, he just meant to say that these departments should be placed in the villages where they are needed. If we listen to him carefully, he said village people are in need of these departments, offices in Gangtok or towns can’t help the villages… Just a personal opinion….”
While the intention behind Rai’s comments is open to interpretation, it is important to consider different viewpoints and engage in constructive dialogue to foster a better understanding of the issue at hand.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 16/05/2023