Our revolution is fading, but me must rise again: Pawan Chamling on Kranti Diwas

Marking the 33rd Kranti Diwas, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) turned the annual celebration into a powerful call for action and reflection. Speaking before a large crowd, SDF Chief and former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling delivered a strongly-worded and emotional speech that accused the current Sikkim government of corruption, misgovernance, and betrayal of the people.

“Kranti Diwas is not just a day of memory, it is a reminder of a revolution led by the people, for the people, with the people,” Chamling said. “It was never about power. It was always about justice, equality, and lifting every Sikkimese socially, economically, and educationally.”

But in a stark shift in tone, Chamling warned that the revolution has “lost its meaning” due to the political decay he sees in today’s governance.

Chamling said that greed is the greatest threat to Sikkim today. “Who is the real threat to our Sikkim? It is this very greed,” he said.

He claimed that criminal elements have taken over the political structure, saying, “Politics has been criminalized. There are murders, suicides, crimes—and the government is silent. When government men are drug dealers, how can the government fight drugs?”

He accused the ruling party of turning Sikkim into a business for the rich, while common people are left helpless. “This government is not for the people. It is a party government that works only for itself,” Chamling said.

He also referred to the worsening drug problem in Sikkim and alleged that even people in high offices are involved in drug peddling, calling it “a direct attack on Sikkimese society.”

Chamling spoke about the growing sense of alienation among native Sikkimese, saying, “In our own land, we are being treated like outsiders. Our rights are being crushed. Peace is being snatched away. Even the special protections Sikkim had when it joined India are now in danger.”

He called on citizens to rise above fear and unite against “all political forces creating confusion” and those “trying to buy support through false narratives and money power.”

According to Chamling, corruption has swallowed Sikkim’s economy, with 70% of the state’s budget allegedly being lost to corruption. “There’s no white money left—only black money. And everyone knows it,” he said.

Chamling spoke about the need for both immediate relief and long-term development, including sustainable programs that benefit the poor and promote education, health, and economic self-reliance.

“There must be a joint ministerial platform to review and assess the condition of Sikkim,” he said, while urging the public to not support “parties that jump from one ideology to another for personal gain.”

He underlined the need to move toward a knowledge-based society that can lead globally in green living and wellness experiences, referencing Sikkim’s potential to top the Global Happiness Index.

In a sharp and controversial section of his address, Chamling compared the current ruling party's mindset to “Hitler’s ideology,” saying, “This party is dangerous. They sold out Sikkim. They destroyed our special rights.”

Calling for unity, he said, “Don’t let these traitors win again. Let us support only those who stand for truth and integrity.”

Chamling recalled the 25 years of SDF rule and asked the people not to give up on their dreams. “We built Sikkim with love. Let us not lose what we built. Let’s unite. Let’s act. Let’s rebuild.”