Bhandari slams SDF Government for connectivity failure

Gangtok, Jul 21 (UNI) Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Nar Bahadur Bhandari today flayed the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party for its failure to address the connectivity requirements of the state in past 14-year of its rule.

''Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has betrayed the people of Sikkim after promising to deliver a double laned highway, rail links and airport over the years,'' Mr Bhandari told newsmen here.

Terming the ruling SDF government as ''incompetent'', Mr Bhandari asked what happened to the promise of double laning the present NH 31A, the lifeline of Sikkim.

''Where is the double laned highway? It has been 14 years since the SDF government made promises of delivering a double laned highway to the people of Sikkim,'' qyestioned Mr Bhandari.

The SPCC chief also accused the SDF Government of misleading the people by announcing an Express Tunnel Highway from Gangtok to Siliguri.

What happened to the MoU, slated for signing on July 15, he asked.

The MoU for an Express Tunnel Highway was supposed to be signed between the Sikkim government and an American company on July 15 but deferred by the government without giving any reason.

He also questioned the intention of the State government behind the proposal of an alternative highway for Sikkim through Bhutan.

''Mr Chamling has been regularly delivering speeches that Sikkim will be linked with railway network, but where is the rail link,'' Mr Bhandari asked.

He also lambasted the government for failing to provide fresh impetus for the proposed airport at Pakyong in East Sikkim after years of foundation laying ceremony.

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