The SDF has never sold its MLAs to the BJP, nor has it ever entered into a political alliance with the BJP

YOJNAKHALING RAI

Over the past few days, the statement made by the President of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), Shri Pawan Chamling, that "We won't let Sikkim become another Manipur," has sparked widespread discussion across Sikkim. The statement has generated intense political debate, with several opposition leaders attempting to misrepresent the SDF's stand. However, before making allegations, it is important to examine the facts rather than political narratives.

Under the visionary leadership of Shri Pawan Chamling, the SDF has always worked for the welfare of the people of Sikkim. During its 25 years in government, the party ensured peace, stability, communal harmony, and overall development throughout the state. Throughout its tenure, the SDF consistently placed the interests of Sikkim and its people above political expediency and remains committed to doing so today.

It is no secret that the SKM government has maintained a close political relationship with the BJP. In recent months, particularly after the Hon'ble Prime Minister's visit to Sikkim, the growing political influence of the BJP in the state has become increasingly evident. Even the 50 years of Sikkim's Statehood celebrations appeared less like a celebration of Sikkim's statehood and more like a political event that showcased the BJP's growing presence in the state.

The ruling SKM has failed to maintain its political independence and has steadily lost the confidence of many people. Its increasing political dependence has become visible to the public. During the municipal elections, people witnessed what appeared to be a coordinated understanding between the SKM and the BJP regarding the distribution of seats. Such developments only strengthened the public perception that the two parties were working together.

Unlike many political parties, the SDF has never compromised its principles for political convenience. It has always upheld its independent identity and remained committed to the mandate and trust bestowed upon it by the people of Sikkim.

Today, the SDF remains the only political party firmly rooted in the aspirations and interests of the Sikkimese people. Ever since the SDF openly questioned the BJP's policies and statements, a narrative has been promoted claiming that the SDF itself was responsible for bringing the BJP into Sikkim. Such claims ignore historical facts and rely solely on political propaganda.

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is often accused of having "given" or "sold" its 10 MLAs to the BJP after the 2019 Assembly election. However, those making this allegation conveniently ignore the long history of political defections, not only in Sikkim but across India.

To understand the issue fairly, we must look beyond 2019 and examine the political history of Sikkim.

One unfortunate reality of politics in many developing countries is that many political leaders lack a clear sense of purpose and self-respect. Instead of treating politics as a noble institution dedicated to serving the people and building the nation, they view it as a means of personal gain. Sadly, this mindset is not limited to politicians alone; sections of the electorate also tend to prioritise personal interests over principles. As a result, politics is often reduced to a business rather than remaining a vehicle for public service and nation-building.

Let us briefly revisit the electoral history of Sikkim.

In the 1979 Sikkim Assembly election, out of 32 seats, the Sikkim Janata Parishad (SJP), led by Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari, won 16 seats. The Sikkim Congress (Revolutionary), led by Shri R.C. Poudyal, secured 11 seats, while the Sikkim Prajatantra Congress, led by Shri N.B. Khatiwada, won 4 seats. One Independent candidate, LachenGomchen Rinpoche, won from the Sangha seat.

With only 16 seats, Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari was one seat short of a majority. He secured the support of the Independent Sangha MLA, taking his strength to 17 and enabling him to form the government. Soon afterwards, most of the MLAs from both the Sikkim Congress (Revolutionary) and the Sikkim Prajatantra Congress joined Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari. Only Shri N.B. Khatiwada and Shri Dugo Bhutia chose not to join.

The pattern continued in later years.

In the 1994 Assembly election, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won 19 seats, the Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) won 10 seats, the Indian National Congress secured 2 seats and 1 seat was won by an independent candidate Ashok Kumar Subba from Yuksom Constituency. Subsequently, 7 of the 10 SSP MLAs joined the SDF.

Again, in the 2014 Assembly election, the SDF won 22 seats while the Sikkim KrantikariMorcha (SKM) won 10 seats. Soon after, 7 SKM MLAs joined the SDF.

Political defections are not unique to Sikkim. Similar developments have taken place in several other states across India. West Bengal, for instance, has witnessed multiple instances of legislators and Members of Parliament changing political parties over the years, particularly between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Likewise, states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Manipur have also experienced significant political defections that have altered governments and party strengths. This demonstrates that political defections are a recurring feature of Indian politics and are by no means exclusive to Sikkim.

Given this long history, is it fair to single out Shri Pawan Chamling and accuse him of having "sold" or "sent" his 10 MLAs to the BJP?

If that is the standard being applied, should we also accuse Shri R.C. Poudyal and Shri N.B. Khatiwada of having "sold" their MLAs to Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari in 1979?

Should we say that Shri Nar Bahadur Bhandari "sold" the seven SSP MLAs who later joined the SDF in 1994?

Should we similarly claim that Shri Prem Singh Tamang (P.S. Golay) "sold" the seven SKM MLAs who joined the SDF after the 2014 election?

Furthermore, everyone knows that in 2019, two SDF MLAs joined the SKM. Does that mean Shri Pawan Chamling "sold" those two MLAs to the SKM?

Political defections have been an unfortunate and recurring reality in Indian democracy for decades. If every instance of defection is to be interpreted as a party president "selling" or "giving away" elected representatives, then the same standard must be applied consistently to every political leader and every political party throughout history - not selectively to one individual or one party.

History should be remembered in its entirety, not selectively. Only then can political discussions be fair, honest, and based on facts rather than convenient narratives. 

 If Shri Pawan Chamling is accused of selling MLAs simply because elected legislators later chose to join another political party, then the same standard must also be applied to every other political leader whose MLAs switched parties.

An MLA is an elected representative of the people. After an election, an MLA may decide to change political affiliation for personal, political, or constituency-related reasons. Such individual decisions cannot automatically be portrayed as an act of the party leadership. Political consistency demands that one standard be applied to everyone not different standards for different parties. If people have the right to question Shri Pawan Chamling, then they should also have the courage to question the culture of political defections taking place across India.

Looking at India's political landscape today, it often seems to reflect the old saying, "Aya Ram, Gaya Ram," where politicians frequently switch parties for personal or political gain. Sikkim, too, has witnessed similar developments.

However, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has never embraced such a culture. We have always remained steadfast in our principles, ideology, and political ethics. Our commitment has never been driven by the pursuit of power, but by our dedication to the welfare of Sikkim and its people.

Another allegation repeatedly levelled against the SDF is that it had a political alliance with the BJP. This allegation is completely false.

The SDF has never entered into a political alliance with the BJP or with any other political party. India follows a quasi-federal system of governance, where every state government must maintain a constitutional and administrative relationship with the Union Government, irrespective of which political party is in power at the Centre.

During its 25 years in office, Shri Pawan Chamling worked with seven different Prime Ministers of India. Maintaining cordial relations with the Central Government was a constitutional necessity, not a political alliance. At no point did the SDF contest elections in alliance with the BJP or compromise its political independence. The SDF government functioned independently while firmly safeguarding the identity, constitutional rights, and interests of the people of Sikkim.

Those 25 years were not easy. The government faced numerous political challenges, and there were moments when its survival was uncertain. Yet Shri Pawan Chamling remained steadfast in his principles and refused to compromise for political convenience. Those who repeatedly accuse the SDF of having a political alliance with the BJP have yet to produce any credible evidence to support their claims.

Even today, our stand remains clear and unwavering: under no circumstances will we compromise on the interests, identity, dignity, and constitutional rights of the people of Sikkim.

When Shri Pawan Chamling declared, "We won't let Sikkim become another Manipur," it was not a casual political remark. It was a serious warning based on recent national developments. We have witnessed concerns being raised across the country regarding the functioning of democratic institutions, and we have also seen the prolonged suffering of the people of Manipur. It is our duty to ensure that Sikkim never experiences such instability or uncertainty.

The Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, publicly stated that the BJP has formed the government in Sikkim twice. If that is indeed the case, then the BJP cannot distance itself from the political developments in the state. It must equally share responsibility with the SKM for the present political situation in Sikkim.

The opposition is free to criticise our stand. However, no amount of political rhetoric can erase historical facts or diminish our commitment to the people of Sikkim.

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has always fought, and will continue to fight, not for political power, but for the people of Sikkim and the future of the state.

Under the leadership of Shri Pawan Chamling, the party's mission has never been merely to attain power. Instead, it has always been to make Sikkim stronger, more prosperous, and truly great again. The SDF believes that true leadership lies not in holding office, but in serving the people with honesty, vision, and dedication.

The principles, ideology, ethics, and values of the SDF are unmatched by any other political party in Sikkim. The party remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the interests, identity, and aspirations of the Sikkimese people, placing service above power and principle above political convenience.

We won't let Sikkim become another Manipur. We will continue to stand for the rights, identity, peace, and future of the people of Sikkim - today and always.

Jai Sikkim.

(YojnaKhaling Rai is a senior leader and spokesperson for the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). Views are personal)