It's time for educated youth to step forward in politics, says Komal Chamling

Komal Chamling, daughter of former Sikkim Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) founder Pawan Kumar Chamling has announced her active participation in politics. Though Komal has been with the SDF since 2019, this is the first time she has publicly declared her intention to step into a more visible and direct political role.

A Harvard graduate, Komal has been given the responsibility of Incharge of the Cheli Morcha, the women's wing of the SDF. Her entry comes at a time when SDF is trying to revive itself after losing power in 2019 following a 25-year-long rule under her father. Her decision to take a front-facing role in the party signals not only her personal political journey but also SDF's attempt to rebuild with a younger face.

While many have questioned the move, citing Pawan Chamling’s earlier stand against “pariwarbaad” (dynastic politics), Komal responded to the criticism and said that her political involvement isn’t hypocritical. “I have been working with the party since 2019, but mostly behind the scenes. Today, I feel that it is necessary to come to the forefront; not just for personal evolution, but because of the situation in Sikkim,” she said.

She said that her entry into active politics is not about contesting elections right now. “I haven’t entered electoral politics. This is more about taking part in the process and defending what I believe in for the state. It is my right as a citizen,” she said, countering claims of contradiction in her father’s previous stance.

Komal also spoke about the need for educated and aware youth to come forward in politics. “We’ve worked hard to build the democracy we live in. Today, when that democracy feels threatened, I think people like us especially the youth with democratic mindsets must stand up and participate,” she stated.

When asked about her appointment as Cheli Morcha Incharge, Komal said that it was part of a recent internal restructuring of the SDF. “Our Central Committee was disbanded recently, and office orders are being issued gradually. I was nominated as the Incharge of the Women’s Wing in the first batch,” she said.

She further said that while she respects the legacy her father has built through the SDF, it is time to involve more youth in political processes. “We must protect the legacy, but we also need new energy, new ideas. I want to serve as a role model so that other young people feel encouraged to join and participate,” she added.

Though she avoided commenting on any plans to contest elections in the near future, Komal said that the future will unfold naturally. “It’s too early to talk about that. For now, I want to focus on strengthening the organization and promoting youth involvement,” she said.