Sikkim prepares grand reception for PM Modi at Paljor Stadium

GANGTOK, : About 1 lakh people would be welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrives in Gangtok later this month during his Sikkim visit for the Statehood Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Sikkim is tentatively scheduled on May 29, informed Chief Minister PS Golay on Sunday. He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a programme at Sikkim Cricket Ground, at Mining near Rangpo.

The Prime Minister is prepared to visit Sikkim for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the State government has received confirmation and many meetings have been held, said the Chief Minister.

This (Statehood Golden Jubilee) is a historic moment for India and our State, and the Prime Minister will definitely be coming, said Golay. He informed about the preparations being made to extend a grand reception to the Prime Minister.

“We had earlier decided Manan Kendra as the venue but as it is small we have decided on Paljor Stadium since we want to host a grand reception for the Prime Minister. About 1 lakh people of Sikkim will be welcoming him,” said Golay.

Though a turn-out of one lakh people for an event may not count much in other large States, it is a mammoth number for a State like Sikkim with a small population.

While Sikkim celebrated its Statehood Golden Jubilee in a grand manner on May 16, elaborate preparations are being made by the State government to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the main celebrations later this month.

A series of major events are planned during the Prime Minister’s visit including inauguration of key projects like the new 500-bedded Namchi District Hospital and laying of foundation stones for transformative projects including the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre at Namli.

Meanwhile, minister Arun Upreti accompanied by SKM functionaries on Monday visited Paljor Stadium to take stock of the preparations being made at the stadium for the Prime Minister’s visit.