Gangtok: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) President, Gopal Chettri, has released an official video statement urging an immediate halt to what he termed “misinformation and political opportunism” being propagated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political outfits. This significant move by the SPCC comes amidst escalating political tensions in the state, primarily fuelled by recent remarks made by senior Congress leader Ajoy Kumar.
Addressing the controversy head-on, which erupted following Ajoy Kumar’s comments during a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi, the SPCC President staunchly defended the senior leader. Chettri clarified that the remarks in question were a clear “slip of the tongue” and that there was no malicious intent to offend the cherished people of Sikkim. He further highlighted that Ajoy Kumar had already issued a public apology and provided a clarification, reiterating his profound respect for Sikkim and its vibrant populace.
In his forthright statement, Mr. Chettri directly accused the Sikkim unit of the BJP, the central BJP leadership, and certain other political groups of cynically exploiting the issue to sow seeds of division within the state. “It is truly disheartening to witness how an unintentional comment is being twisted into a tool for political gain. The Congress party, unlike others, stands firmly for accountability and integrity. We have openly acknowledged the mistake, and a heartfelt apology has been extended in good faith,” he stated with conviction.
He went on to reiterate the Congress party’s long-held belief in correcting errors rather than evading responsibility. “This is precisely what distinguishes us. We do not justify wrongs; instead, we strive to correct them. However, it is equally imperative for other political parties to cease distorting facts and misleading the good people of Sikkim,” Chettri asserted.
The SPCC President also laid strong emphasis on the fact that the people of Sikkim deserve far better than what he described as “divisive and distracting politics.” He passionately appealed to all political parties to re-focus their energies and attention on critical issues concerning development, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, rather than sensationalising a matter that, in his view, has already been resolved.
“Let us not for a moment underestimate the intelligence and maturity of the people of Sikkim. They are deserving of a brand of politics that is deeply rooted in dignity and progressive development, not in distortion and manipulation,” Mr. Chettri concluded, making a powerful plea for constructive political discourse.
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