GANGTOK,: “Manch wants to form the government, as without forming the
government and without political intervention we will not be able to make the
transformation that Sikkim needs. This time, we could only contest for three
seats i.e. Tadong, Melli and Yangthang, but we promise that in the 2029
election, we will contest for all the 32 seats,” expressed Manch’s Tadong
candidate Kailash Pradhan to SIKKIM EXPRESS.
Kailash
Pradhan is contesting from Tadong constituency as an independent candidate.
Manch,
formed a year ago, is a grassroots political movement that aims to install a
bottom-up political and governance structure that distributes power evenly and
safeguards the rights of ordinary people.
“This is
my second time in electoral politics. The first time, I contested in the
Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) elections for the ward councillor’s
post. Since the GMC elections, the
campaigning pattern has definitely changed. GMC election was in a smaller scope
as there was no party politics. This time, I am contesting as an independent
candidate against the big boys from political parties like BJP, SKM and SDF.”
“As an
architect, I have been thinking about Gangtok and its problems and I want to
see what I can bring to the table. I have had a lot of time to think and now I
have been able to talk about those problems tangibly and bring out solutions.
For the GMC election, it wasn’t my intention to contest, but my friends
encouraged and supported me. I had a big team then, but this time, although I
have a team, I have been campaigning alone,” expressed Pradhan.
Regarding
his contenders, Kailash expressed that incumbent Tadong MLA GT Dhungel is part
of the SKM party and there is an influence of party politics. “We have a
problem with the way politics is played in Sikkim, especially party politics.
GT Dhungel and SDF candidate CB Chettri are good candidates, but cult leadership
exists. At the end of the day, SKM leader PS Golay and SDF leader Pawan
Chamling’s words are the final words. Manch believes in collective leadership,”
he added.
Pradhan
further expressed that the role of money in politics is also one of the major
concerns.
“Both SDF
and SKM spend a lot of money during the elections. For us, that is the
beginning of corruption. I don’t want to allege corruption allegations against
anyone but there is a shadow of corruption in both parties. It has to be clean
politics, and the Manch is fighting the battle in a different way, by spending
less money and relying on volunteers and social media. I know I have strong
contenders, but I believe the fight is not personal but based on principles.
SDF and SKM both lack long-term genuine vision,” he said.
It was
shared that Manch is based in four principles - political leadership,
development model, administrative reform and community building.
The Manch
candidate expressed that the campaigning is like ‘preaching to the choir’, i.e.
the people who already resonate with you, especially the educated youth who
feel strongly about Manch. He added that it has been difficult for Manch to get
to the people who are economically weaker, as money is being thrown away during
the election. “All solutions are long term but people can't resist when they
are given favourables. But we are hoping people will look for long term
solutions. This election may not show the result we desire, but we have put in
a lot of effort. Do vote for us because we believe there is no substitute for
good people and we urge the public to vote for the person who can bring a
bright future for Sikkim,” Pradhan appealed.
