Gangtok, November 30, 2012:

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on Thursday appeared before Justice Patro Commission of Inquiry that was constituted last year to probe allegations of corruption against him and some of his colleagues.

Chamling made an appearance before the Commission to reply and clarify on the allegations made by the state unit of the Congress party in its publication ‘Sikkim Pradesh Congress Sandesh’, according to a statement of the CM’s party —Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

Chamling, a four-time chief minister, was accused by the Congress of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. Similar accusations were made against some of his ministerial colleagues as well.

Despite enjoying complete majority in the state assembly, Chamling’s party moved a resolution last year for instituting a panel to probe the allegations. The SDF statement said that Chamling’s appearance before the Commission was “in conformity with the rule of law and democratic values” that the CM had been adhering to.

 

Comment