Pawan Kumar Chamling, also known as Pawan Chamling, has profoundly impacted Sikkim’s modern political landscape.
Born on September 22, 1950, in Yangang, South Sikkim, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Sikkim is genuinely remarkable.
His unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people, socio-economic development, and environmental preservation has earned him respect in Sikkim and throughout India.
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The Legacy of Pawan Kumar Chamling
Pawan Kumar Chamling, an Indian politician and accomplished writer, etched his name in history as the longest-serving Chief Minister in both Sikkim and India.
From 1994 to 2019, he led Sikkim as its 5th Chief Minister, surpassing the record previously held by Jyoti Basu.
The Birth of Sikkim Democratic Front
Pawan Chamling‘s political journey led him to establish the Sikkim Democratic Front. In 2019, he assumed the role of Opposition Leader in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
His representation in the assembly has been a dynamic journey, holding the Namchi-Singhithang constituency since 2019 and having previously represented Damthang from 1985 to 1994.
Pawan Kumar Chamling’s A Minister
Before the establishment of the Sikkim Democratic Front, Chamling held the position of Minister for Industries, Information, and Public Relations in Nar Bahadur Bhandari’s cabinet from 1989 to 1992.
Pawan Kumar Chamling’s The Literary Side
Pawan Kumar Chamling, not just a political figure but also a prolific Nepali language writer, was born in Yangang, South Sikkim, to Ash Bahadur Chamling and Asha Rani Chamling.
His remarkable literary achievements earned him the Bhanu Puraskar from Sikkim Sahitya Parishad in 2010. Writing under the pen name Pawan Chamling, his life includes two wives and eight children.
Early Political Ventures
Pawan Kumar Chamling’s foray into politics commenced with his election as the president of Yangang Gram Panchayat in 1982.
Subsequently, in 1985, he entered the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
The Founding of Sikkim Democratic Front
Following his second election victory from Damthang, he took on the Minister for Industries, Information, and Public Relations role within the Nar Bahadur Bhandari cabinet from 1989 to 1992.
Subsequently, he responded to significant political changes in Sikkim by establishing the Sikkim Democratic Front on March 4, 1993.
A Streak of Victories
Pawan Kumar Chamling’s tenure as Chief Minister marked a historic achievement. He became the second Chief Minister in India to lead a state for five consecutive terms, with the Sikkim Democratic Front securing victories in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly elections of 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 under his leadership.
Development and Popularity
As Chief Minister, Chamling’s administration characterized extensive developmental work and the maintenance of peace, which added to his enduring popularity in Sikkim.
In 2009, his party achieved a remarkable feat by winning all 32 assembly seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
Challenges and Resilience
In 2012, Pawan Kumar Chamling faced corruption allegations, and his predecessor, Bhandari, predicted legal consequences if he lost power.
His former comrade Tamang (Golay) also formed his party, posing a significant political challenge. Despite these obstacles, Chamling managed to secure victory in the 2014 assembly elections, clinching his fifth consecutive Term as Chief Minister, breaking the previous record held by Jyoti Basu.
A Historic Fifth Term
After emerging victorious in the 2014 assembly election, Pawan Kumar Chamling took the oath of office for his fifth consecutive Term as Chief Minister on May 21, 2014.
Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil, the Governor of Sikkim, administered the swearing-in ceremony. In the same election, his party, the SDF, secured victory in 22 of 32 assembly seats in the 2014 legislative assembly election.
Cementing Leadership
Eighteen months later, on November 30, 2015, seven out of ten opposition MLAs joined the SDF party under Pawan Kumar Chamling’s leadership, solidifying his position.
6th Term lost the election
However, Pawan Kumar Chamling resigned as Chief Minister after the 2019 Sikkim Legislative Assembly election, as the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party, led by former member Prem Singh Tamang, formed the government by winning 17 out of 32 seats.
The SDF party won the remaining 15 seats. In August 2019, ten MLAs quit his party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, and two other legislators joined the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, leaving Chamling as the sole MLA of his party.
Pawan Kumar Chamling’s Save Sikkim Mission
Pawan Kumar Chamling, the former Chief Minister and current SDF president, has stressed the urgency of his ongoing ‘Save Sikkim Mission,’ a demand voiced by the people of Sikkim.
In his weekly Sunday press statement, Chamling expressed that he initiated the mission in response to invitations from Sikkim’s towns, villages, and homes, seeking to address concerning developments under the SKM government.
Commencing his ‘Save Sikkim’ campaign from Rongli within the Chujachen constituency on November 28, Chamling has traversed the Chujachen, Rhenock, and West Pendam constituencies in East Sikkim.
He emphasized the substantial public support for the mission, underscoring the determination and energy of the people committed to safeguarding Sikkim from the forces that imperil the state’s well-being.
Pawan Kumar Chamling actively engaged with the public during his campaign, elucidating the reasons behind the necessity of saving Sikkim.
He alleged that the SKM government has suppressed dissenting voices, including his and those of SDF workers, citing instances of harassment legal actions and exerted pressure on the Sikkim police.
Additionally, Chamling voiced concerns regarding economic and political challenges, accusing the SKM government of permitting the wholesale depletion of Sikkimese assets, resulting in the state’s economic decline and the increasing influence of non-Sikkimese individuals in government and significant businesses.
Furthermore, he criticized the SKM government for implementing Central laws that, from his perspective, diluted Article 371F, and he raised questions about the rushed enforcement of these Acts.
Chamling highlighted the imperative of raising public awareness and facilitating discussions before deciding to implement significant policies.
Throughout his ‘Save Sikkim’ campaign, Chamling visited several villages within the West Pendam constituency, where he engaged with residents who shared their grievances and concerns.
Pawan Kumar Chamling, the 7th Chief Minister of Sikkim
The authorities have scheduled the upcoming Sikkim Legislative Assembly elections on or before April 2024 to elect the 32 members of the 10th Legislative Assembly.
Pawan Chamling is meeting people and working hard to win the 10th Legislative Assembly in Sikkim. Chamling became a demanding leader for the Sikkimi people.
P. S. Golay, also known as Prem Singh Tamang, is an Indian politician and former teacher serving as the 6th and current Chief Minister of Sikkim since 2019.
People of Sikkim are not happy with the working style of PS Golay. Chamling served a long term. He consistently advocates for good governance and people in his heart.
Golay works for his family and relatives, so P.S. is becoming less popular in Sikkim. On the other hand, Pawan Chamling is working for the well-being of the people, socio-economic development, and environmental preservation. So, Pawan Chamling is becoming popular day by day.
Now, the People of Sikkim are demanding Pawan Chamling as the 7th Chief Minister of Sikkim.
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