Bikash Basnet slams Chamling’s 'baseless claims', says SKM building a better Sikkim with honest governance

Responding to the speech made by former Chief Minister and SDF President Pawan Chamling during the Sampurna Kranti Diwas, Bikash Basnet, Spokesperson of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), strongly criticised what he called “false, baseless and politically frustrated statements.” In a detailed note, Basnet said Mr. Chamling’s allegations against the SKM government were nothing but an attempt to stay relevant in Sikkim’s new political era, which is focused on people, progress and clean governance.

“One of Mr. Chamling’s most reckless claims was that Sikkim is now under political terrorism. In fact, it was during his 25 years of rule that political fear, favoritism, and suppression were a way of life,” Basnet said. He explained that today, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, there is more peace, democracy, and openness. People have access to grievance redressal systems, and political tolerance is being practiced — something which, according to him, was never seen during the previous regime.

Basnet also rejected Chamling’s claim that “70% of the state budget is lost to corruption”. He said that the SKM government has made major changes through digitisation like e-tendering, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), and online fund tracking. “Now, money goes directly to genuine beneficiaries, not political workers,” he said, mentioning schemes like old-age pensions, student scholarships, free healthcare and housing assistance.

Chamling’s criticism of the housing scheme was also addressed. “His own housing scheme was poorly managed and used for political gain before elections,” said Basnet. He added that the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) under SKM has set a new standard with strong, earthquake-resistant houses, proper sanitation, and fair selection. “Chamling is clearly jealous because people now live in dignity,” he added.

On agriculture, Basnet said that SKM has treated the sector with respect unlike before. “Today, we have GPS-based greenhouse allocation, QR-coded supply chains, and direct support for farmers,” he noted. Power tillers, livestock aid, milk rate increases, and cold chain systems are helping farmers switch from survival to income-based farming. “Under Chamling, farmers were made to feel backward. We’ve changed that,” Basnet said.

Chamling’s mockery of the SKM Startup Scheme was also countered. “He compared it to Tambola, but our youth know better. They’re starting businesses, creating jobs, and shaping Sikkim’s future,” said Basnet. He explained how SKM’s Skilled Youth Start-Up Scheme is giving real support grants, training and incubation to local entrepreneurs.

Basnet also pointed to the transparent use of funds like the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG) and the Relief Fund. “During Chamling’s time, nobody knew who got help. Now, the public sees how these funds are used for medical help, student scholarships, and small businesses,” he said.

On the healthcare front, Basnet said that under SKM, the state now has dialysis and cancer care centres, mobile village clinics, and better maternal care. “Chamling had decades but couldn’t deliver this,” he said.

Chamling also made claims about greenhouses and stolen resources, to which Basnet replied: “That’s simply untrue. Today, greenhouse allocation is GPS-based. Farmers get what they need fairly.” He also said that milk producers, cash crop growers, and farmer cooperatives have received more support in the last six years than ever before.

Basnet also addressed the issue of identity and constitutional rights. “Chamling spread fear about NRC and census. But in reality, SKM is actively protecting Sikkimese people and pushing for ST status and LT seat reservations for the twelve left-out communities,” he said.

Responding to Chamling’s claim that mountains and estates were sold, Basnet said: “People know the truth. Under Chamling’s government, even the Temi Tea estate bungalow and government hotels were leased to outsiders. We are correcting those mistakes today.”

Basnet also debunked Chamling’s statement about SKM taking Rs 30,000 crore in loans. “He says he took only Rs 65 crore in 25 years, but the truth is that his government left behind unpaid dues and unfinished projects. Today, our budgets are open, live-streamed, and audited,” he said.

On GPF/CPF and retirement dues, Basnet assured that retirees are being paid, and over 10,000 workers have been regularised. “Chamling’s own relatives took soft loans during his rule without valuation. Now that the bank is asking for repayment, he calls it harassment,” said Basnet.

Basnet also addressed the so-called “stamp duty scam”, saying, “It’s under court review. There is no verdict against the SKM government.” On the income tax issue, he reminded that it was Chamling’s SDF government that initiated steps toward income tax imposition. “Now it’s SKM fighting for full exemptions, including for old settlers,” he added.

Basnet said Chamling’s speech was not about the people but about his own political survival. “He offered no solutions, only complaints. The SKM government has shown what people-first governance looks like transparent, honest and effective. In just six years, we have delivered more than what was promised in two decades.”