Darjeeling: Marking the end of 25 years long tenure of the Pawan Chamling led Sikkim Democratic Front, Prem Singh Tamang was sworn in as the sixth chief minister of Sikkim.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the Paljore stadium in Gangtok. Fifty-one-year-old Tamang who is popular as PS Golay was sworn into office by Governor Ganga Prasad. Out of the 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim, Golay's party – Sikkim Krantikari Morcha won 17 while the SDF had won 15. However, Golay, the president of his party, has to be contested elections and win as an MLA within 6 months.
Golay could not contest the Assembly election that was held along with the Parliamentary election as he was convicted for a year for misappropriation of funds during his stint as a minister in the Pawan Chamling Government (1994- 1999). After taking charge as the Chief Minister, Golay declared a five-day week for Government employees. Taking to mediapersons, Golay stated, "No minister including the CM will use luxury vehicles nor beacons."
Golay then held a meeting of his 11-member cabinet. Employment generation, health, education, infrastructure development would be the stress area of this government, remarked Golay.
Golay, a five-time MLA in the SDF government, fell out with Chamling and floated the SKM in February 2013.