CAP condemns State-wide odd-even traffic bid

‘Direct assault on daily lives, will not comply with it’

GANGTOK, : The Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has condemned the State government’s announcement to implement the ‘Odd-Even’ vehicle rule across all districts of Sikkim. This move, framed under the guise of an austerity drive, is a direct assault on the daily lives, livelihoods, and fundamental mobility of the common people of our State, said CAP Sikkim spokesperson Mahesh Rai in a media statement on Thursday.

Rai maintained that the State government’s claim that these measures are in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation is a gross misinterpretation of the Center's intent.

“While the Prime Minister has consistently advocated for voluntary austerity and conservation, he has expressly refrained from imposing such draconian restrictions that paralyze the lives of ordinary citizens. The CAP-Sikkim views this decision as a desperate attempt by the State government to impress the Central leadership by over-performing, even if it means torturing its own citizens. We urge the government to stop using the Prime Minister’s name to justify policies that create nothing but hardship for the people,” said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson.

Rai contended that Sikkim’s unique geography and limited public transport infrastructure make private vehicles a necessity, not a luxury. Imposing a blanket odd-even rule across all districts is illogical and detached from the ground reality of our rural and urban commuters, he stressed.

“In light of this injustice, Citizen Action Party-Sikkim hereby declares the CAP-Sikkim members and supporters will not comply with the Odd-Even rule. We shall not pay any fines or penalties imposed under this arbitrary regulation. If the government chooses to use force or legal intimidation against those fighting for their right to move freely, we are prepared to face the consequences. The government can arrest us, but they cannot silence the voice of the people,” said the spokesperson.

“The State government should focus on curbing its own excessive spending, naachgaans and administrative wastage rather than penalizing the public. We demand an immediate withdrawal of the odd-even notification for private citizens and call for a more rational approach to fuel conservation that does not involve ‘state-sponsored harassment’,” said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson.

“True governance lies in easing the burdens of the people, not adding to them. We will stand with every Sikkimese citizen who is being forced into this unnecessary crisis. We urge the citizens of Sikkim to not comply with such kind of arbitrary rules after paying a huge amount of taxes,” said Rai.