New party formed in Sikkim

The much-awaited third force in Sikkim politics was formally launched on Wednesday with former state power secretary Laxmi Parasad Tewari forming the Sikkim Ekta Manch.

Former minister and former Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Thuchuk Lachungpa proposed Tewari's name as the president, which was unanimously accepted by other leaders.

Addressing the gathering at Singtam in east Sikkim, the party chief said, ''I had to launch the Manch as the people want a new and clean political atmosphere devoid of any casteist or communal politics that plague the present political scenario.''

Tewari had resigned from government service after his request for voluntary retirement was turned down. Subsequently, the government placed him under suspension for violation of the Sikkim Government Servants (Conduct) Rules.

Last week, Tewari applied for an anticipatory bail fearing arrest, which was granted to him on Tuesday.

Prominent Sikkim Democratic Front dissidents who have joined the Manch are Biraj Adhikari, Sonam Dorjee Taraman Rai and Dawa Sherpa.

UNI