Jorethang: Sikkim Democratic Front founder President and Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling recalled the track record of SDF, gaining progressively increased support of the people in the last four consecutive elections, and asserted that “SDF is the only party of the people of Sikkim which is continuously working for the betterment of the people of Sikkim since its formation”.

Dr. Chamling was speaking on the occasion of 18th Foundation Day celebration of SDF on Thursday, March 4, at Jorethang playground in South Sikkim which was witnessed by more than 40 thousand party members and supporters from all over the state. Recalling the electoral results he said, SDF came into state power with just 19 MLAs (in the 32 member Assembly when the opposition party threatened to bring down the government but failed to do so. “Recognizing the pro-people work of the SDF government, people made the party victorious with 25 seats in the next election, with 31 seats in the next election and this time (2009) with the thumping majority of 32 seats”. This impressive electoral record is a proof of evidence of people’s continuous support to SDF, he noted.

The Foundation Day of SDF “is not merely for a grand celebration, but also to renew our pledge for the creation of a better and prosperous Sikkim tomorrow”, he said.

“We are demanding 40 Assembly seats by the next election with four MPs”, the Chief Minister said and added, “if that happens then SDF will come into power with all the 40 Assembly and 4 MP seats in next election”. People welcomed the declaration with loud cheers and clapping.

SDF chief also recalled the bitter experience which he and a number of his partymen had during the formative days of SDF Party. Giving the credit of successful completion of 18 years of SDF Party to the all the party leaders, office bearers and supporters, he said that “the Sikkimese people are the real owner of SDF party and its government”. He emphasized that “SDF is not a national party but it is a full fledged regional party of Sikkim”. According to him SDF government means the government of the people.

Referring to the days of the previous Sikkim Sangram Parishad government in Sikkim Chief Minister told the people to compare the present Sikkim with the earlier one and urged the people to answer those politicians who are misleading the innocent people of Sikkim these days. He said SDF came into existence when there was no democracy in Sikkim; people were not allowed to talk openly and there was no freedom of Press. He recalled that it was on 9th September 1992 when “Chamling walked out from the Assembly with candle in his hand in search of real democracy”.

He continued: “On 4th March 1993 a new party was born at Namchi Ghurpisey called Sikkim Democratic Front party and on 18th June 1993 when the first public meeting of SDF was held at Ahley Ground Namchi, the then government sent goons to stop the meeting. Following a scuffle that ensued, many SDF party supporters were taken to jail. From 19th June 1993, Chamliug went underground and remained so for more than three months. Finally after taking anticipatory bail from Delhi for a number of cases slammed against him, he again entered the political field of Sikkim on 22nd September 1993”. He said that as a party President and Chief Minister of Sikkim he will never forget those painful days and “today also I am struggling to prepare the Sikkimese people to oppose the anti democratic elements in state”. According to him, the revolution started by him on 4th March 1993 is still going on and will be continued until each and every people of Sikkim become prosperous and self reliant”.

Chief Minister mentioned 27th April this year as the date for Municipal election in the Bazaars of Sikkim and urged the entire business community to come forward and vote. The government has provided equal rights and security to the businessmen in Sikkim; hence they should actively take part in the election which will prove their sense of belonging”.

Earlier, the meeting was also addressed by former Minister, GM Gurung. On the occasion the different communities like Bihari Jagran Manch, Muslim Community of Sikkim and the Business Community felicitated the Chief Minister. On behalf of the people of Zoom Salghari Constituency, MLA Madan Cintury felicitated the Chief Minister. Vice Presidents of the party of all four districts also greeted him.

The partymen who were jailed for supporting the SDF party during its formation were also honored by the Party today. More than 50 people joined the SDF party on the day leaving their respective parties. They were welcomed by SDF President. The celebration was attended by MLAs, Ministers and party leaders from all over the state.