Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) president Pawan Kumar Chamling alleged that he was pushed by supporters of rival Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) while campaigning in Namchi district on April 8, 2024.
Chamling, a five-time CM for Sikkim was reportedly campaigning for SDF's Namchi-Singhithang candidate Bimal Rai at Namchi Bazar when the altercation unfolded.
In the video, Chamling is seen amidst a crowd, campaigning fervently, as SKM workers, campaigning for Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's wife Krishna Kumar Rai, also vying for the same seat, approached the area.
Tensions escalated quickly, with supporters from both parties engaging in a physical confrontation.
Police intervened swiftly to disperse the warring factions and restore order.
The SDF leader accused SKM workers of instigating the scuffle, alleging that he was pushed by them during the commotion.
However, the Namchi police reported that while supporters from opposing parties did confront each other, no serious altercations occurred due to timely police intervention.
The SDF, in a statement, decried the incident as an assault on democracy, claiming that several party members, including women, were injured in the altercation and required hospitalisation.
"This is a murder of democracy whereby candidates of opposition party are at risk and being attacked every day by Golay’s goons. SDF party condemns the aggressive and criminal tactics of PS Golay who is unfit to hold any post in government," it said.
Meanwhile, SKM could not be reached for comment on Chamling's allegations.
In a separate incident, eight individuals suspected to be SKM supporters were apprehended by Pakyong police for allegedly attacking the residence of Pritam Dhamala in Sawney village on Sunday night.
Dhamala's house, which is reportedly being utilised by SDF's West Pendam (SC) assembly constituency candidate Anup Thatal, was targeted by the assailants who pelted stones, causing injuries to three individuals.
Upon receiving a complaint about the attack, law enforcement swiftly responded, deploying a Quick Response Team (QRT) to the scene. Sector Magistrate Suren Tamang and SDPO Mahendra Subba also arrived to investigate the matter.
A preliminary investigation revealed that eight individuals unlawfully entered Dhamala's residence and launched the attack. Based on an FIR lodged at Rangpo, all suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.
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