Pawan Chamling’s allegations are baseless and unrefined, says Jacob Khaling

Jacob Khaling Rai, spokesperson of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister on June 24 criticized former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his party, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

Khaling said that he did not have much to speak about and that he only came forward to clear the air in the interest of public awareness. He said, “There isn’t really anything special to address. If it were a personal matter, I would not have spoken at all. We must maintain dignity when we speak in public.”

Khaling took a dig at Chamling and said, “I cannot speak as aggressively as our respected former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. But today’s world is more educated and civilized. Even animals that were once treated poorly are now shown love and care. Sadly, Chamling’s recent behavior goes against this progress.”

He further said that despite society moving forward, Chamling continues to level baseless accusations against the SKM government, even though he has been out of power for years. “He had 25 years in power, yet he now speaks in a way that is full of bitterness and untruths,” Khaling stated.

Khaling expressed disappointment at the former Chief Minister’s remarks, saying, “As people grow older, they become wiser. But someone who ruled for 25 years should speak with more responsibility. His recent statements show no refinement and are full of lies. Today’s society is aware, educated, and no longer believes in such claims.”

Defending the current SKM government under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Khaling said that the allegations made by Chamling were nothing more than a desperate attempt to reopen old wounds from his own misgovernance. He accused the previous SDF regime of mismanagement, corruption, and neglecting essential sectors like health and infrastructure.

“Under Chamling’s rule, the health sector was ignored. But in just six years, hospitals like STNM, Namchi, and Mangan have been upgraded, and life-saving surgeries for cancer, heart, kidney, and diabetes patients are now being carried out,” Khaling said. “Poor people who once had no hope are now receiving free medical help, including kidney transplants and heart surgeries.”

He also spoke about government support for couples struggling with infertility through the Vatsalya Yojana, which has helped many become parents. “This reflects the compassionate heart of our Chief Minister,” he added.

Highlighting the improvements in education, Khaling said that the Sikkim University and the State Medical College, which remained incomplete under the SDF rule are now fully functional. “Earlier, students had to protest for basic needs. Now, even the Chief Minister himself is inaugurating new college buildings,” he noted.

Khaling also blamed the former government for the current rise in drug use and youth suicide cases, saying they are the result of 25 years of failed policies. “Chamling failed to provide proper education and justice, and that has led to today’s challenges,” he said.

He mentioned that 50 poor students are now receiving lakhs of rupees in financial aid under selection-based schemes. “This is not just a new benefit—it’s a correction of the damage caused during the past two and a half decades,” he asserted.

Khaling also spoke about housing schemes, stating that the current government has laid out clear policies for the 2025–2030 period. “People were misled with promises of houses before elections. Now, we are building homes not for politics, but for people’s welfare. Even those who got houses under Chamling’s time are being cared for by us,” he said.

“This is a government that listens, that cares, and that works for all. We are not looking back—we are focused on building a better future for every citizen of Sikkim,” Khaling added.