Sikkim elections: SDF accuses SKM of violating MCC by distributing money to students

Reported by Prakash Adhikari | Copy edited by Lipika Roy

The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has lodged a formal complaint to the State Election Commission against the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during its election campaign yesterday.

According to the SDF, the SKM has distributed money to students at a political campaign late yesterday night under the disguise of ‘Vidhyarthi Sammelan’ (an educational gathering).

SDF said that around 3,000 students attended the event held at Manan Kendra in Gangtok.

Questioning SKM’s move to woo voters using unethical means, targeting students with monetary incentives, the SDF said that some of the students were given monetary incentives worth Rs 10.000 each during the event.

The SDF has urged the State Election Commission to investigate this matter promptly to ensure fair and fair elections in Sikkim and take immediate and decisive action on this matter.

“We are writing to express our concerns regarding the recent event organized by the SKM Party initially titled “Vidhyarti Sammnelan,” which later transpired to be a political campaign under the guise of an educational gathering. Approximately 3000 students from across the State of Sikkim attended this event, where the Party President and other election candidates of the ruling Party (SKM), including PS Golay. Delay Kazi, and lndra Hang Subba were present. Despite the scheduled time from 2-6 PM, the event extended until 3 AM at midnight, raising questions about its nature and intentions, ” read the complaint filed by the SDF to the State Election Commission.

“Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that some students received monetary incentives worth Rs 10.000/- each which is in total violation of the Model Code of Conduct. We are enclosing electronic evidence for your reference and urge the Election Commission to take immediate and decisive action on this matter,” said SDF in the complaint.

Voting for the 32-member Sikkim Assembly and the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state will be held on April 19 and counting will take place on June 2.

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