Gangtok: Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has responded to the allegations made against him by the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, challenging them to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to investigate the claims. In a press statement, Chamling accused the SKM government of attempting to shift blame for their own failures onto him and divert attention from their shortcomings.
Chamling, who is also the president of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, highlighted the SKM’s strategy of constantly leveling allegations against him as a way to hide their own shortcomings. He pointed out that the SKM government had achieved unfavorable rankings in various national indicators, such as crimes against children, road accident fatalities, inflation rate, and unemployment rate.
Regarding the allegation of being a “communal leader,” Chamling questioned why the SKM government had not presented any evidence of his communal policies and activities. He invited them to provide concrete proof and evidence of his alleged communal politics and expressed readiness to face any legal actions if substantiated. Chamling also challenged the government to produce data, facts, and figures to support their claims of suppression or discrimination against specific communities, languages, or cultures during his tenure.
In response to accusations of nepotism, Chamling urged the SKM government to examine the number of family members involved in running the current government and investigate his own family’s roles during his time in office. He expressed willingness to face any legal consequences if evidence of favoritism is found.
Addressing the allegations of political violence during the SDF government’s tenure, Chamling called for a thorough investigation of all recorded cases since 1994. He suggested involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the Sikkim police lacked the capability to handle the investigations. Chamling challenged the SKM government’s courage to allow the CBI to probe the cases and emphasized that they now held the responsibility to prove the allegations they had made.
Chamling concluded by reminding the SKM leaders that they were now in power and should focus on governing rather than making baseless claims. He called on them to concentrate on their duties and fulfill their responsibilities instead of engaging in futile allegations.
The response from Chamling sheds light on the ongoing political tensions in Sikkim, with both the former Chief Minister and the ruling SKM government locked in a battle of accusations and counter-accusations. The challenge to order a CBI probe adds a new dimension to the situation, as it puts the burden on the government to take concrete action to substantiate their claims against Chamling. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how these allegations and challenges will be addressed and resolved.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 15/05/2023