Gangtok: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) on Friday said the party has never entered into any electoral or political alliance with the BJP and has always upheld its independent political identity.
SDF Spokesperson Yojna Khaling Rai in a statement strongly rejected allegations that it had either "sold" its MLAs to the BJP or maintained a political alliance with the saffron party, asserting that both claims were "false and politically motivated".
The statement came amid the political row triggered by SDF president Pawan Chamling's recent remark that "We won't let Sikkim become another Manipur."
"The SDF has never sold its MLAs to the BJP, nor has it ever entered into a political alliance with the BJP. Political defections have been a recurring reality across India and cannot be equated with the party leadership 'selling' elected representatives. Such allegations against the SDF are baseless and ignore historical facts," Khaling said.
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Defending Chamling's statement, the SDF said the remark was intended as a warning against political instability and was rooted in concerns over recent national developments. The party alleged that the ruling SKM's growing proximity to the BJP had become increasingly visible, while maintaining that the SDF had always safeguarded Sikkim's identity, constitutional rights and political independence during its 25 years in power.
The SDF also argued that political defections have occurred repeatedly in Sikkim and across the country, making it unfair to single out the party over legislators switching sides after elections. It reiterated that maintaining cordial relations with the Union government while in office was a constitutional obligation and should not be misconstrued as a political alliance.
Reaffirming its stand, the SDF said it would continue to prioritise the interests, identity and constitutional rights of the people of Sikkim over political expediency.
The SDF has never compromised its principles for political convenience. It has always upheld its independent identity and remained committed to the mandate and trust bestowed upon it by the people of Sikkim, the statement said.
Today, the SDF remains the only political party firmly rooted in the aspirations and interests of the Sikkimese people. Ever since the SDF openly questioned the BJP's policies and statements, a narrative has been promoted claiming that the SDF itself was responsible for bringing the BJP into Sikkim. Such claims ignore historical facts and rely solely on political propaganda, it added.
The SDF at present has no MLA in the Sikkim Assembly.
