GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Republican Party (SRP) has expressed its gratitude towards
the voters, Election Commission, State police and officials engaged in smooth
and peaceful conduction of Sikkim Assembly and Lok Sabha elections 2024.
Addressing
a media conference here on Tuesday, SRP president KB Rai expressed that the
Sikkim elections 2024 was smoothly organized with no poll-related violence
barring some instances where the model code of conduct was violated.
“There
should also be no post-poll violence and we appeal to the State administration
and State police to be very cautious and vigilant when counting is held on June
2 to avert any incident of violence. We need to spread the message of peace and
brotherhood amongst the citizens of the State which includes the respective
party supporters too. We also appeal to all the political leaders to direct
their party supporters to refrain from any incidents after counting,” said the
SRP president.
Rai added
that the threats coming from the BJP during the campaigning period towards the
regional parties and leadership were “unacceptable”. We strongly condemn such
statements and request our regional party leaders to stand firm and work for
the development of Sikkim and Sikkimese rather than being bullied, he said.
“National
party leaders are saying that people here should accept the mainstream politics
which in the context of Sikkim is unacceptable. Sikkim is governed and
protected by Article 371F. The local leaders who are being misguided or have a
vision of becoming a Central leader must understand that Article 371F that
protects Sikkim has been diluted to a great extent and if we accept such
delusion statements, our identity will be at stake,” said the SRP president.
The press
meet was also addressed by SRP member Dr. CS Sharma and spokesperson Dhiraj
Rai.