Former close confidant of Chamling resigns

Gangtok, Oct 17 (UNI) The issue of mega hydel projects at Dzongu in North Sikkim has raked up differences in the party following the resignation of a senior Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) member over disagreement on the hydel policy.

Mr Palden Tshering Gyamtso, the former Rajya Sabha member from Sikkim and once a close confidant of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, resigned from the primary membership of the party, citing disillusionment with the ''ad-hocism'' policy of Mr Chamling.

Mr Gyamtso had submitted his resignation letter to Chamling, also the party president.

Mr Gyamtso had served as the Secretary of the State Information and Public Relations department when Mr Chamling was the Minister in charge during the Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) government. Later he also served as the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister during Mr Chamling's first term in office.

Mr Gyamtso, who retired from government service, was sent to the Rajya Sabha by the SDF and served one term before being replaced last year.

The bone of contention seemed to be the issue of mega hydel projects, proposed for Dzongu in North Sikkim.

'' The start of mega projects, seven of which are located at Dzongu, has, however, changed my perception about your intention and concern for the Lepcha community, '' he stated.

The power projects could have been taken up in a planned and phased manner instead of going for all the projects in one go, he said.

UNI