A political buzz has emerged in the Hills following former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling’s meeting with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna yesterday. Is this outreach a calculated move by Chamling to counter the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s (SKM) BJP-centric politics and preserve Sikkim’s regional identity?

Kalimpong-based youth observer Tenzin S Moktan has encapsulated the discussions around this intriguing political development. According to Moktan, the meeting, described as “political and courteous,” is a significant step for Chamling, who is seeking to revive the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) after its influence waned with the rise of SKM under Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) in 2019.

Advertisement

The SKM’s close alignment with the BJP has raised alarms about the erosion of Sikkim’s regional autonomy and distinct identity. Critics argue that the SKM’s reliance on the central government has sidelined local governance priorities, leading to chaos in addressing infrastructure, development, and cultural preservation. This centralisation has further fuelled fears about the dilution of Sikkim’s unique political and cultural fabric.

In this context, Chamling’s outreach to Mamata Banerjee is a bold and strategic move. Banerjee, a staunch advocate of federalism and regional rights, represents the anti-BJP coalition and shares Chamling’s vision for preserving local identity. Moktan explains, “Chamling’s meeting with Banerjee is a clear signal of his intent to position himself as a defender of Sikkim’s regional interests. By aligning with a prominent opposition leader, Chamling aims to present a viable alternative to the SKM and its BJP-backed governance.”

Chamling’s invitation for Banerjee to visit Sikkim further underscores his intent to build a collaborative relationship that could benefit both states through shared goals like tourism, environmental protection, and socio-economic development.

Adding another layer of significance to the meeting was the presence of Chamling’s daughter, Komal Chamling, who is being viewed as his political successor. Her participation signals the SDF’s intent to project a refreshed leadership while ensuring continuity in its vision.

For Mamata Banerjee, this meeting aligns with her strategy of expanding influence in the northeast while building alliances to counter the BJP’s dominance. Her emphasis on regional cooperation resonates with Chamling’s goals, offering scope for collaboration on various state-centric issues.

This interaction reflects the broader necessity for leaders like Chamling to reassert regional priorities and resist the BJP’s centralizing tendencies. Moktan concludes, “Chamling’s alignment with Banerjee is not just about reviving the SDF; it’s a pivotal step towards safeguarding Sikkim’s identity and reiterating the importance of a robust federal structure in India’s diverse democracy.”

By championing regionalism, Chamling challenges the SKM’s governance model while sending a powerful message about preserving India’s pluralistic polity.