In a display of support for the Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front
(SDF), a multitude of retired officials and enthusiastic youth joined the party
during a grand mass joining program held at the SDF party headquarters.
This influx of new members includes dozens of retired officers and
hundreds of individuals from various constituencies, all rallying under the
leadership of youth leader Ashish Rai.
With the Assembly and Parliamentary elections just eight months away,
both the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party and the Sikkim Democratic
Front are actively engaged in mass joining initiatives to bolster their ranks.
Recently, the SKM party held a massive joining program in Ravangla,
attracting over 1,300 new members.
The surge in SDF membership is not expected to wane anytime soon,
as more prominent figures and political activists are poised to join the party
by September 22. Notably, this date marks the birthday of SDF President Pawan
Chamling.
Among the prominent figures anticipated to join the SDF is football
star Bhaichung Bhutia, whose decision to align with the party was announced
earlier.
On September 13, Bhaichung Bhutia, who had served as the working
president of the Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) since 2018, had announced his
intention to join the Sikkim Democratic Front, led by former Chief Minister
Pawan Kumar Chamling. This decision comes after a week-long speculation and
discussions with party members.
Bhaichung Bhutia explained, “I am merging my Hamro Sikkim Party
with SDF after careful consideration and discussions with other party leaders.
While we initially supported the ‘Parivartan’ promised by Chief Minister Prem
Singh Golay and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in 2019, we have witnessed that,
over the past four years, the Parivartan has not lived up to expectations. The
SKM party is now facing challenges with corrupt leaders and businessmen, which
is why I have chosen to join the SDF.”
Bhaichung Bhutia further stated the SDF had rid itself of
corruption and had been a vocal advocate for the interests of Sikkim during its
time in the opposition.
He expressed his confidence in the party’s commitment to
safeguarding the State’s identity and criticized the SKM’s alignment with the Central
Government on certain issues.
