Chamling back after meeting home minister on reservation issue

Prashant Acharya, EOIC, Siliguri, 12 September 2013: Members of the Tamang and Limbu communities of Sikkim today accorded a grand welcome to chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling at Bagdogra Airport as he announced the union home minister has assured of providing them reservation in the state Assembly. 

“I met union home minister Sushil Kumar Sindhe and demanded reservation for the tribes of Sikkim under section 330 of the Constitution and the number of Assembly seats to be increased to 40 for the development of the state,” informed Chamling. 

A sizeable crowd comprising members of the Tamang, Limbu and other tribal communities were waiting at the airport with khadas and garlands to welcome the chief minister. Casting aside security concerns, Chamling walked up to the crowd and accepted with the happy faces. 

He said 12 seats have been reserved for the Bhutia-Lepcha communities, but the tribal tag is not mentioned and therefore, it is necessary to reserve separate seats for the Limbus, Tamangs and other tribal communities. 

“The state has no power to provide separate seats for these tribal communities and it is subject to discussion in Parliament. But it is not only my responsibility and the central government should take the matter seriously and think for the tribal communities of Sikkim. An amendment to the People’s Representation Act of 1950 is necessary to implement the separate seat provision,” explained the chief minister. 

When asked about preparations for the assembly election in 2014, Chamling said he is making serious efforts, but the fact is he keeps faith in results. 

He said, “The results will tell because I believe in the people and power is in their hands; without people nothing can be done. The people of Sikkim are well versed with my leadership, my government’s policies, programmes and so on that I have proved through my work and now I have left the decision in the hands of the people.” 

Meanwhile, commenting on the resignation of SDF MLA PS Golay, Chamling said he has not received any resignation letter. 

“I have not yet received any resignation letter from his side; I came to know through the media about his resignation,” he said, adding Golay was never active in the party. 

When asked if the anti-defection law would be imposed on Golay, Chamling said the party would decide on this once his resignation letter is received. 
(Source & Caption: http://echoofindia.com/bagdogra-chamling-back-after-meeting-home-minister-reservation-issue-38287)