SiKM Hits Back at Pawan Kumar Chamling, Questions Komal Chamling’s Political Debut

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) held a detailed press conference on Tuesday countering the allegations made by former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling during the SDF’s Kranti Diwas event. The ruling party defended its governance, questioned the political sincerity of Komal Chamling’s recent entry into active politics, and clarified its stance on identity, organic farming, youth leadership, and healthcare development.

Addressing the media, Yougen Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, emphasized that while constructive criticism is part of democracy, former leaders must not shy away from accountability. “Those who ruled for 25 years must also reflect on their failures. Criticising the current government while ignoring their own history is neither fair nor responsible,” Tamang stated.

Yougen Tamang expressed surprise at Komal Chamling’s claim of entering politics for the first time, noting her active participation in political events under SDF 2.0. “Her statement raises questions about her sincerity. One cannot be politically visible for years and suddenly pretend to be new,” he said.

Yougen Tamang also challenged Pawan Kumar Chamling’s repeated portrayal of himself as the architect of Sikkim’s organic movement. “The success of organic Sikkim belongs to its farmers. It wasn’t one man’s dream—it was the collective effort of the people,” he said, accusing Chamling of distorting facts for political mileage.

Responding to Chamling’s statements on Khas identity and the restoration of Nepali-speaking community seats, Bikash Basnett, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and SKM spokesperson, strongly rejected what he called a “factually flawed and divisive narrative.”

Pawan Kumar Chamling had alleged that the SKM government’s efforts to restore reserved seats for the Nepali-speaking community and officially recognize the Chettri-Bahun (Khas) community lacked constitutional grounding. Bikash Basnett, however, clarified that the Nepali language is already part of the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the recognition of the Khas community was lawfully formalized in 2021 through a state notification.

“Pawan Kumar Chamling is deliberately misrepresenting facts to confuse the public. The recognition of Khas identity is not unconstitutional. In fact, it is a rightful acknowledgement of our cultural heritage,” said Basnett.

He also addressed opposition to the declaration of Khas Diwas as a state holiday, explaining that it is not rooted in religion or caste, but instead celebrates the socio-political identity and unity of the Nepali-speaking community. “Khas Diwas is a day of inclusion and heritage, not division,” he said.

SKM spokesperson Krishna Lepcha tackled allegations made by Rikzing Norbu Bhutia, SDF spokesperson, during the Kranti Diwas address. Rikzing Norbu Bhutia had criticized SKM’s promotion of Dalle Khursani (chilli) cultivation, claiming it was originally mocked by the current ruling party.

Krishna Lepcha responded by accusing the SDF of exploiting youth for political showmanship. “The same youth leader who once stood holding Dalle Khursani under SDF’s banner didn’t even receive a party ticket in the last election. What does that say about their commitment to young leadership?” he asked.

He also questioned the SDF’s claimed legacy of organic farming, stating that chemical fertilizers were widely distributed during its regime, contradicting the party’s current narrative. “The people made Sikkim organic, not political slogans,” Krishna Lepcha added.

The press conference also addressed Pawan Kumar Chamling’s controversial comments on the state’s healthcare system and Health Minister GT Dhungel. During his speech, Chamling had used the Nepali expression “thukka,” a gesture seen as highly disrespectful, suggesting that if he were in GT Dhungel’s position, he would have resigned out of shame.

Reacting strongly, Jacob Khaling Rai, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and senior SKM spokesperson, called the remarks “undignified and unbecoming of a former Chief Minister.” He stated that the healthcare sector in Sikkim has been undergoing consistent improvements under the current administration and emphasized that political debate must remain civil and issue-based, not descend into personal attacks.

The SKM leaders concluded the press conference by reaffirming their commitment to transparent governance, people-centric development, and cultural recognition. They accused the opposition of trying to mislead the public through emotionally charged and inaccurate statements, instead of engaging constructively on real policy matters.

“While the SKM government focuses on unity, welfare, and development, the opposition continues to recycle outdated narratives for political gain,” said Jacob Khaling Rai.