CAP Sikkim slams Roads Minister for “baseless blame” on Bengal PWD

GANGTOK: The Citizen Action Party (CAP) – Sikkim has strongly condemns the recent statement made by N.B. Dahal, Minister, Roads & Bridges Department, Government of Sikkim, during his interview with national media outlet North East Live during pre-visit of the Governor tour to North Sikkim.
“In his statement, Minister Dahal blamed the Public Works Department (PWD), West Bengal for the poor maintenance of NH10 and even threatened to personally visit the PWD office, West Bengal with hundreds of youths to register a complaint and further stated to hand over the maintenance of NH10 falling under West Bengal to Government of Sikkim. Such inflammatory remarks are highly irresponsible and threaten to damage the longstanding, harmonious relationship between Sikkim and West Bengal,” said CAP Sikkim spokesperson Phuri Sherpa in a press statement.
Sherpa added that this unfortunate statement comes at a time when inter-state cooperation is crucial, particularly in light of the recent GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) event, which has caused significant damage to roads along the Teesta basin.
“The Government of Sikkim has failed to take any meaningful action following the disaster, neglecting to send an official delegation to engage in dialogue with the West Bengal government regarding the restoration and maintenance of NH10. Instead, the minister has chosen to cast baseless blame, further straining an already delicate situation,” said the CAP Sikkim spokesperson.
Sherpa mentioned that during the prolonged blockages of NH10, alternative routes maintained by the West Bengal PWD—such as the Gangtok-Lava-Gourbathan route, Panbu route, Jorethang- Takbar- Darjelling route, and Sittong route—remained operational, ensuring a steady flow of traffic. In stark contrast, roads within Sikkim, including those leading to critical areas like Lachen, not to speak of road conditions within the capital city of Gangtok which are in deplorable conditions, especially post-GLOF, with no effort made by the state government to address these vital connectivity issues, she added.
“Minister Dahal’s failure to prioritize the crumbling road infrastructure within Sikkim while pointing fingers at the neighboring state raises serious questions about the state government’s commitment to its own people. Rather than making rash and baseless accusations, the minister should focus on addressing the dismal condition of Sikkim’s own roads, many of which are currently in a state of neglect, severely impacting the livelihoods of drivers, students, and businesses alike,” said Sherpa.
“We believe that issuing such provocative statements will only serve to worsen relations between Sikkim and West Bengal, two states that have coexisted peacefully for decades. The negative impact of such remarks will be felt most acutely by the people of Sikkim—particularly the driver community, businesses, and students—who rely heavily on NH10 for their daily commute and trade.”
The CAP Sikkim urged minister Dahal to retract his “reckless statement” immediately in the larger interest of Sikkim and its people.