No anti-incumbency, only pro-incumbency in SDF: Chamling

GANGTOK, Feb 24: On the threshold of the eighth Sikkim Assembly elections, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that there is no ‘anti-incumbency’ factor in his Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party.
“The grassroots support of the SDF party is growing regularly. SDF had won 19 seats in its first term, 25 seats in the second term and 31 seats in the third term and our grassroots support base in expanding. This shows that there is no anti-incumbency. Instead we have pro-incumbency”, said the Chief Minister on concluding day of the Seventh Sikkim Assembly session.

‘Money and muscle power should not be allowed to dominate elections’
Reminding the elections is round the corner, Mr. Chamling appealed all that the elections should be held in a peaceful manner like previous years. “Nobody should be disturbed due to elections and anti-social and communal elements should not be allowed to take advantage”, he said. Money and muscle power should not be allowed to dominate the election process, he added.
The Chief Minister said that his SDF party will contest in all the 32 Assembly seats and the single Lok Sabha seat in the coming State and General elections. “SDF party will fully observe the rules and guidelines of the election process as the party abides by the Constitution of India and Election Commission of India”, he said pledging his commitment to ensure a democratic and peaceful elections.

‘SDF successful in removing fear psychosis among Sikkimese people’
Among the highlights of his government during these 15 years starting from December 1994, the Chief Minister singled out the inclusion of Sikkim into the North East Council and reopening of Nathu La border trade as the biggest achievements.
“We have also been successful in restoring democracy in Sikkim and removing the fear psychosis among the people of Sikkim”, said Mr. Chamling. Today, Sikkim has turned into an oasis of peace and unmatched development under 15 years of SDF rule, he added.
The Chief Minister reminded that 15 years ago, ‘there was only one man’s rule and no democracy in Sikkim. We have restored democracy and gave back the lost confidence and self respect to the Sikkimese people, he said.
“Before we came to power in December, 1994 there were only two classes of people in Sikkim - rich and poor. However, we have uplifted the poor and created a middle class of people. There were 41 percent people under BPL earlier and now there is only 19 percent exists”, said Mr. Chamling.
Other achievements highlighted by the Chief Minister was Sikkim Central University, works done in the environmental front, rail link up to Rangpo, sanction of an alternative highway and works being initiated for Pakyong airport.
The Union Civil Aviation minister is visiting Pakyong to do the bhomi puja for the airport on December 27, Mr. Chamling informed. He said that though the airstrip will cater only to 50 seater aircraft for the moment, it will definitely boost tourism in Sikkim. We will pursue to have the Pakyong airport made into a full fledged airport, he said.


‘Income Tax exemption: Few business community members are working against the interests of Sikkim’
The Chief Minister expressed his anguish over the activities of a section of the business community of the State over the Income Tax exemption issue.
“Some business community members are trying to mislead the Center over this issue and working against the interests of Sikkim and Sikkimese people. They have approached the Central leaders and officials of Finance Ministry and saying that the business community has been discriminated in Sikkim”, said Mr. Chamling at the House.
“It is very painful to hear such nonsense”, said Mr. Chamling added that it was one of the major achievements of SDF government to exempt Sikkimese people with Sikkim Subject certificates from the purview of Income Tax.
“Even 38 families of old business community with Sikkim Subject certificates is exempted along with other Sikkimese people with Sikkim Subject certificates from income taxes”, said Mr. Chamling. We have managed to get Sikkimese people with subjects exempted from income taxes and now we have geared up to have similar exempt the old business community and old government employees, he said.
“Yet some of the business community members are trying to mislead the Centre claiming discrimination. They are working against the interests of Sikkim and Sikkimese people”, said Mr. Chamling. He expressed his commitment to work for the old business community and old government employees.
However, they must understand that the Centre will review this demand on the larger picture concerning the country, said Mr. Chamling.
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