Chamling's party calls for voter inputs to prepare manifesto

Kolkata: Pawan Chamling’s SDF has sought suggestions from over 4 lakh voters of Sikkim for its manifesto for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections on April 11.

The move signals to the electorate that citizens will set the agenda for the new government and seeks to engage various sections of the hill state in the participatory drive as Chamling, India’s longest serving CM, seeks a record sixth term for his party.

The ‘Ma Pani Chamling’ campaign invites voters to visit a specially designed website to list what they expect from the new government. The party will release its manifesto or public declarations of its policies and aims in the first week of April.

“In a democracy, common people are the most powerful and the government elected by them is expected to work for them. We want to know the aspirations and demands of the people of Sikkim and reflect them in our manifesto and work towards them when elected. A dedicated team is monitoring the website and taking down the suggestions,” said Lok Sabha MP Prem Das Rai, SDF vice-president and social media head.

Since most voters in Sikkim are aged 18-45, SDF is targeting to assess the mood of the youth in the state. Most citizens have written about increasing employment opportunities, fighting corruption and ending the drug menace.

On Monday, Chamling filed his nomination from two segments — Namchi and Poklok-Kamrang, both in south Sikkim. His bid for a sixth term has led SDF to launch several innovative campaigns to engage with voters. “The party wants to convey to the people that we want to keep ourselves abreast about their aspirations, which are changing with every generation. The feedback will help us design our manifesto in a manner that reflects the aspirations of the people,” said Rai.

Former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia is also in the poll fray this time. He floated Hamro Sikkim Party last year and is contesting from two assembly segments, including Gangtok.