A large number of supporters today
welcomed Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling at Bagdogra airport,
with many wishing him the best for another election victory in order to
create history. If the Chamling-led Sikkim Democratic Front wins yet
again, he will become the longest serving chief minister in the
country’s history to overtake West Bengal’s Jyoti Basu whole ruled the
state for 23 long years.
Chamling was back from New Delhi where
he had gone on a personal visit, and despite the scorching heat, a
sizeable crowd of his supporters waited for hours to wish him success in
advance.
According to sources, many SDF
supporters had come from places such as Namchi, Rhenock, Mangan,
Jorethang and Gangtok, among other places, to welcome back their leader,
who they claim is certain to break Jyoti Basu’s record.
Rhenock resident Sanjay Tamang told the
EOI, “We are lucky and are proud to have a chief minister who is set to
create a record and etch his name in the annals of history by becoming
the longest serving chief minister. We are 101 per cent sure about Pawan
Chamling once again forming the government.”
Bandana Regmi of Namchi said, “I have
travelled a fair distance just to congratulate our chief minister in
advance because on victory day I may not get a chance given the expected
sea of people in Gangtok.”
Meanwhile, Siliguri-based Pradeep Gurung
said Chamling steps forward to help not only the people of his state,
but has emerged a saviour to people of other areas of the country on
many occasions.
Ignoring the severe heat from the sun
overhead, the chief minister emerged from the airport’s VIP lounge and
met the people waiting outside patiently.
He interacted with them for a while and
before heading for Gangtok, said, “I am grateful to all of as you have
travelled long distances and waited for hours in the scorching heat of
Siliguri just to meet me.”(EOIC)