Sikkim CM on a Nayak style swoop

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Chewan K. Dahal

21 June, 2011

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling took inspiration from a popular Hindi flick and toured villages across the state to get acquainted with the problems faced by the people. He was also joined by heads of major departments in the state.

TAKING INSPIRATION from the Anil Kapoor starrer Hindi film Nayak, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling too followed suit by visiting villages in Sikkim.

Chamling now means business and is taking stock on how much has been really done in ground zero during the past 18 years of his rule. The act is being touted as the CM’s attempt to take the government to the people’s doorsteps. His itinerary perhaps portrays what the movie’s protagonist tried to prove with his impromptu sanctions of various developmental projects, most of what the locals demand.

What may set Chamling’s action apart is that he has taken with him heads of almost all departments besides his cabinet colleagues whom he feels should see for themselves the ground realities. Forty hectic days running behind the Chief Minister and hearing his orders has stimulated the delayed arm chaired bureaucrats.

Some officials reportedly faced sore backs and fell sick, while the sojourn unlike routine duty became adventurous for others. In Ralong village in South Sikkim, where Chamling is yet to arrive, hundreds of people, young and old, fingers crossed have been waiting to welcome their leader with Khadas or traditional scarves in their hands.

Each of them who walked up to the meeting point had their own issues to tell Chamling, some others wanted to catch a glimpse of their Chief Minister only. Even as Chamling’s village to village tour was claimed to be free from political intentions, it came as virtual internship ground for those planning to join his party.

Youths also came along to hear what employment schemes the state government had to offer them. Villagers ready to accord their leader a warm welcome appreciated Chamling’s Nayak style swoop, for them it was an opportunity to vent their complaints on their village representatives.

On the other hand, Chamling’s opposition in the state have cried foul for taking along the entire state machinery at the cost of the state exchequer. The BJP has dubbed the visit a gimmick, and nothing beyond that. Interestingly, the saffron party has embarked on a similar type of padyatra across the state recently. Chamling however desisted to comment on his political rivals, whom he said had the right to speak in a democracy.

Whether this tour will increase his political graph or not, Chamling seems confident to rule the state for five straight times after the 2014 elections. With so many incomplete tasks and issues to settle, it may take him some years to make things happen, which couldn’t be materialised in the past 17 years of his rule.