GANGTOK: Accusing the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) of orchestrating attacks on its members, the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has petitioned the election commission to invoke President’s Rule in the state prior to the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
With the assembly elections in Sikkim slated to coincide with the Lok Sabha polls, expected sometime in April-May, SDF leader and former chief minister Pawan Chamling penned a memorandum to the chief election commissioner.
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In the letter, Chamling alleged that SKM supporters, backed by the Sikkim government, have resorted to brutal assaults on SDF workers.
Highlighting that SDF members are being hindered from engaging with voters ahead of the elections due to intimidation tactics employed by the ruling party, Chamling called for the imposition of President’s Rule in Sikkim prior to the polls to ensure a fair electoral landscape for all stakeholders.
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Additionally, he urged the election commission to intervene directly and compel the Sikkim administration to enforce the rule of law rigorously.
The SDF also insisted on the deployment of central forces to oversee the electoral process and ensure its integrity.
Chamling emphasized the urgent dispatch of senior observers to validate the claims outlined in the memorandum submitted by the SDF.