In recent days, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) of Sikkim through its spokespersons has become increasingly vocal in its criticisms of the Sikkim government, particularly regarding alleged financial instability and irregularities. However, in their fervor to point fingers, the leaders and spokespersons of this party should perhaps take a long, hard look in the mirror. The very individuals who decry financial mismanagement appear to have questionable dealings themselves. Here, I Amber Rai, raise critical questions that the CAP spokespersons should address to their supremo rather than making baseless accusations against the government.
1. The Swift Wealth Accumulation of the CAP Supremo
One of the most glaring contradictions lies in the remarkable increase in the wealth of the CAP supremo. In 2004, his property was declared at a modest Rs 13 lakh, but shockingly, just two decades later, it has skyrocketed to Rs 16 crore in 2024. This exponential growth raises eyebrows and demands an explanation. How did an individual, ostensibly concerned with the welfare of the citizens, amass such significant wealth? Transparency and accountability should be the cornerstone of any political leader’s legacy, but the supremo’s financial trajectory raises troubling questions about the source of his wealth.
2. The Mystery of Land Acquisition
Further compounding the concerns around financial instability in Sikkim is the purchase of a vast tract of land in Phulbari, Siliguri, by the then Minister for Social Welfare and Public Health Engineering (PHE) on August 29, 2016. Acquiring land worth crores of rupees demands scrutiny. What qualifies as legitimate grounds for such an expenditure, particularly from someone tasked with uplifting the community? The citizens of Sikkim deserve a full account of how their representatives manage their assets and wealth—especially when such decisions seem to run counter to the party's claims about government financial instability.
3. Students Misdirected to a Fake University
Adding to the CAP supremo's troubling legacy is the allegation surrounding the admission of Sikkim students into a fake university in Chandigarh during his family member’s tenure as the Minister for Social Welfare. Despite widespread protests from the concerned students and their families, the CAP supremo’s circle insisted that they continue with their studies at this dubious institution. This failure to protect the educational interests of Sikkim's youth starkly contrasts with the lavish expenditures on personal property, highlighting a hypocrisy that cannot be overlooked. It’s shocking to think that while students faced an uncertain future, crores were being spent on land acquisition, revealing a deep disconnect from the needs of the community.
4. Outstanding Loans to SISCO Bank
Additionally, the failure of a family member of the supremo to repay a farming loan taken from SISCO Bank in Namchi paints a troubling picture. When party representatives advocate for fiscal responsibility, they must practice what they preach. The apparent reluctance to address this outstanding debt raises questions about accountability and ethics, reflecting a broader problem of financial irresponsibility.
5. Withdrawals in a Deceased Relative's Name
In a perplexing turn of events, allegations surfaced regarding the withdrawal of a certain amount of money from the Melli Dara MPCS in the name of the supremo's deceased uncle late Shiva Kumar Rai. Engaging in financial transactions of this nature is both ethically and morally questionable. The CAP leader must answer for these actions, as they seem incongruent with the values they claim to uphold.
6. Exploitation of the Vulnerable
Perhaps most alarming are claims that the CAP supremo has exploited hundreds of poor citizens under the guise of the MPCS (Multipurpose Cooperative Societies). If these allegations are true, it exposes a monumental betrayal of the very constituency he swore to protect. How can he justify leading a party that advocates for citizen welfare while being embroiled in accusations of financial malfeasance against the very people he claims to represent?
A Call for Accountability
The hypocrisy demonstrated by the Citizen Action Party, particularly its supremo, is profound. Leaders should not only demand accountability from those in power but also hold themselves to the same standards. Rather than casting aspersions on the financial practices of the Sikkim government, CAP must address these serious allegations surrounding its own leadership. If they truly wish to champion the cause of stability and transparency, they must first come clean about their financial dealings and restore public trust. It is time for CAP to focus on genuine public service rather than cling to a narrative that reflects their own failings. Until then, any claims of advocating for citizen welfare will ring hollow in the ears of the public.