GANGTOK,: Maintaining its strong objection to the proposed Ed Sheeran concert in Sikkim, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has demanded Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay to make public the names of those sponsoring the international singer’s show and other entertainment events happening during the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The Chief Minister had on Sunday shared that the proposed Ed Sheeran event is being funded through sponsorships from well-wishers and industrialists, and does not involve any government expenses. Similar sponsorship has been facilitated for mega entertainment and sporting events in Sikkim, he said.
Responding to these statements, CAP Sikkim spokespersons Mahesh Rai and Albert Gurung at a Monday press meet demanded the Chief Minister to let the Sikkim public know who these sponsors are.
“Who are these people and groups who are sponsoring the entertainment programmes in Sikkim? Where is the money coming from? Is Sikkim running on donations? The names of those sponsoring the Ed Sheeran concert which costs about Rs. 40 crore should be disclosed,” demanded the CAP Sikkim spokespersons.
The CAP Sikkim spokespersons alleged that these sponsors are benefiting from the SKM government by taking over prime public properties in Sikkim.
“If Ed Sheeran performs in Sikkim, it will not be good as it is an insult to the Sikkimese people, especially government employees who have not received their salaries for over a year, fair weather road contractors, and those affected by poor road connectivity across Sikkim. When the State is in debt and unable to pay salaries on time, how can they justify bringing an international artist to perform in Sikkim? CAP will not tolerate the embarrassment caused to the Sikkimese public and the SKM government is to be blamed for this,” said the CAP Sikkim spokespersons.
Funds should be used for development of Sikkim including roads, health and education sectors, and providing timely salaries, said the CAP Sikkim spokespersons.
“If the SKM government does not provide the account details of the money coming to Sikkim, CAP will organize an andolan, as we are not afraid. The SKM government’s challenge to us is nothing but an empty threat. CAP has the courage to stand up,” said the CAP Sikkim spokespersons.
They further maintained that the Chief Minister insulted the entire press fraternity of Sikkim by targeting a senior journalist in his speech.
“It is an insult to the entire media fraternity. While the SKM government has spoken about press freedom, yesterday Golay criticised the fourth pillar of democracy. Journalism is independent, yet the CM has questioned the entire media fraternity, and CAP condemns this. The CM should apologise to the media fraternity of Sikkim,” said the CAP Sikkim spokespersons.