sdf protest
Image: Northeast Now

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party has staged a dharna on three-point issue at in front of the district administrative centre (east) at Sichey in Gangtok on Monday.

The opposition party of the State has also submitted a memorandum on their issues to the Chief Secretary, District Collector (East) and Superintendent of Police (East).

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Senior leaders, workers and youths of SDF party sat on day-long peaceful dharna in front of DAC carrying placards and banners on their issues.

Speaking on agendas for the protest, SDF spokesperson, M K Subba stated that an unfortunate, objectionable and condemnable incident took place during the first legislative session of the 10th State Assembly on June 3 last. He stated that SKM workers used bad words against the leader of the opposition and the most senior legislator of the State, Pawan Chamling in the Assembly.

“But it is really surprising that the Speaker has not taken any action against anyone so far even after the passing of 10 days of this incident,” he said.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

Subba demanded that all involved in this incident should be arrested to take legal action as per the law and rules and procedures and conduct of business in the Assembly.

“We have already submitted a memorandum to the Speaker on the same and we will take next course of action in case of no action from the concerned authority,” he said.

On second issue, he said among numerous exemplary works of the SDF government led Pawan Chamling, OFOJ was a flagship programme of SDF government which has provided jobs to 20,000 youths of the State. He alleged that SKM had tried to mislead the people before the election on this scheme and also promised to regularise the job within 100 days of the formation of the government in the State.

“After forming the government with thin majority, SKM government first attacked OFOJ scheme of SDF by calling it illegal by violating the model code of conduct and took out a circular on the same,” he said.

He stated that SDF party immediately registered its strong protest against this decision of the government. “It is not illegal and has not violated any MCC norms but it is just an excuse of the government as MCC norms never stop any ongoing works,” he said.

Subba alleged that as SKM does not have any programme so it has been obstructing the exemplary works of SDF and still trying to mislead and deceiving the people of Sikkim on this scheme.

“If Department of Personnel would not withdraw its circular on OFOJ within 13 June then SDF party would pursue this matter legally in the interest of youths of Sikkim,” he said.

He questioned that why DoP officials had not spoke a single word if there was violation of the MCC while distributing work orders and added that now officials have been speaking in the pressure of SKM government.

On third issue, Subba stated that everyone knows the fact that PS Golay cannot contest the election as he has been disqualified to contest any election being a convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

He alleged that by using the thin majority of SKM party in this election, Golay became the sixth chief minister of the State wrongfully and unconstitutionally.

“We strongly condemn this incident as it is too dangerous not only for Sikkim but for the entire nation as to bar the convicted person from contesting the election is stop criminalisation of the politics,” he said.

He stated that if PS Golay would allowed to become the CM by law and constitution of the country then any convicted politician and person can become the Minister and CM by showing the example of PS Golay.

“It is dangerous to the politics and SDF has been continuously consulting with legal experts and the party would take the legal action to dethrone PS Golay from the CM post. It is not the fight between SKM and SDF party but it is dangerous for the constitution and the country,” he alleged.

 

Sagar Chhetri is Northeast Now Correspondent in Gangtok. He can be reached at: [email protected]