Amid mounting criticism from the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has mounted a strong defence of its governance, dismissing remarks by former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as politically motivated and lacking substance. In a press conference held on Tuesday, several SKM leaders jointly addressed issues ranging from organic farming to fiscal management, accusing the SDF of distorting facts and misleading the public.At the forefront of the rebuttal was Jacob Khaling Rai, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, who labelled Chamling’s recent comments as “baseless claims” and questioned the credibility of a leader who had ruled the state for 25 years. “It’s disappointing to see a former CM resorting to political rhetoric without any real grounding,” Khaling said, adding that the SKM government is focused on meaningful change rather than empty slogans.The press meet was a coordinated attempt to reset the political narrative in SKM’s favour, especially in the wake of growing opposition discourse around youth issues, organic farming, and ethnic identity. Spokesperson Yougan Tamang responded directly to recent praise directed at Komal Chamling, the daughter of the former CM, for her advocacy of organic agriculture. While calling her a “revolutionary comrade,” Tamang stressed that organic farming is a collective achievement, not the result of individual legacy. “The people of Sikkim made the organic movement a reality. It was never about just one family,” he said.
Tamang further outlined the government’s proactive efforts to uplift farmers through initiatives like fish melas, which not only celebrate local produce but also boost farmer incomes. Over 1,729 people have already registered under the National Fisheries Digital Platform, reflecting growing participation in agri-based entrepreneurship.Chamling’s criticism of SKM’s youth and startup policies also came under fire. “Today’s youth want to be innovators, not job seekers,” said Tamang. “Mocking their aspirations by ridiculing government schemes is both disheartening and irresponsible.”Highlighting the government’s track record in education and healthcare, Jacob Khaling pointed to major achievements such as the full operationalization of Sikkim University and the establishment of the State Medical College. “Earlier, students had to protest for basic services. Today, even our remote villages have roads, schools, and hospitals,” he said.In the social welfare domain, the SKM cited the Vatsalya Yojana for childless couples and expanded access to critical surgeries as examples of transformative change under its governance.Political Secretary Bikash Basnet tackled the sensitive issue of identity politics, stating that the recent targeting of Nepali-speaking communities was both divisive and historically ignorant. “The Nepali language has been in the Eighth Schedule since 1992. ‘Khas’ communities are recognised under official state orders,” he said, calling for an official holiday to honour the Khas community. “We will not allow identity to be weaponized for political gain.”
Addressing fiscal concerns raised by the SDF, Basnet stated that Sikkim remains compliant with the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, noting that the state recorded revenue surpluses in 2022 and 2023. “The opposition’s fiscal deficit claims are misleading. Our books are in order,” he said.Adding a grassroots voice to the discussion, Krishna Lepcha, another SKM spokesperson, drew attention to rural transformation across Sikkim. “Our villages today are hubs of progress. Roads, electricity, water—all have reached even the most remote corners,” he said, referencing ongoing infrastructure work in North Sikkim under Section 269. Lepcha, who joined SKM after years of disengagement, dismissed the opposition as disconnected from the realities on the ground. “Chamling’s era was marked by incomplete promises. I joined SKM not out of compulsion, but because I believe in the vision,” he said.