Ed Sheeran performance will boost Sikkim's global profile: SKM

<p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><b>GANGTOK,: </b>Ruling SKM has asserted that hosting international artists like Ed Sheeran will position Sikkim as a premier destination for cultural and economic exchanges. The ruling front was responding to the disapproving statements made by opposition CAP Sikkim.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">Chief Minister PS Golay had recently shared that efforts are being made to invite the international singer to perform at the 50 years of Statehood celebrations of Sikkim. </span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">In a press statement, SKM spokesperson Yougan Tamang said the unwarranted criticism from CAP Sikkim reflects a lack of depth, foresight, and understanding of the broader implications of this visionary initiative. &nbsp;</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">“It is well understood that international artists like Ed Sheeran value performing in locations that meet their high standards for infrastructure and logistics. This provides Sikkim with a unique opportunity to demonstrate its exceptional facilities, scenic venues, and renowned hospitality. Hosting an artist of this caliber would not only be a global milestone but also position Sikkim as a premier destination for cultural and economic exchanges,” said Tamang.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">“Unfortunately, CAP is jeopardizing this golden opportunity through baseless allegations and petty politics. Let it be clear, if Sikkim misses the chance to host Ed Sheeran due to CAP’s attempts to degrade the State for political gain, the people of Sikkim will know where the blame lies. CAP’s actions undermine not only the pride of the State but also the collective aspirations of its people,” said the SKM spokesperson. </span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">Tamang added that the Ed Sheeran concert is more than a performance, it is a celebration of 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, a commemoration of resilience, progress, and unity. It is a rare chance to place Sikkim on the global cultural map, attract international attention, and boost tourism and local businesses, he said.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">“Sikkim’s infrastructure and ability to host world-class events are a source of immense pride. The State is well-prepared to provide Ed Sheeran and his team with top-tier facilities, breathtaking venues, and warm hospitality. CAP’s efforts to misrepresent these realities are a deliberate attempt to tarnish Sikkim’s reputation for their own narrow political objectives,” said the SKM spokesperson. </span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">Tamang shared that States across Northeast India, have successfully hosted international icons like Bryan Adams, Akon, and Ronan Keating. “These events have not only elevated their cultural profiles but also brought significant economic benefits. Hosting Ed Sheeran would be no different. It is a strategic move to position Sikkim as a global cultural and tourism destination while fostering economic growth,” he said.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">The SKM spokesperson asserted that the CAP’s claims of “entertainment over governance” are baseless and shortsighted. “The SKM government has consistently prioritized key areas like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment. Elevating the Statehood celebrations complements these priorities, demonstrating a government capable of pursuing holistic development,” he reminded.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">Tamang mentioned that such events are often funded through private sponsorships and partnerships, ensuring minimal financial burden on public resources. CAP’s allegations of financial mismanagement lack substance and ignore the broader economic and cultural vision behind this initiative, he said.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="15"><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;">“CAP’s baseless objections serve only to highlight their inability to see the bigger picture. We urge the opposition to rise above petty politics and contribute meaningfully to the State’s progress. &nbsp;And we can only imagine how the mere announcement of an effort to bring Ed Sheeran has sent the Citizen Action Party into such a state of impulsive frenzy. One can’t help but wonder how they’ll react when the event actually takes place and delivers tangible benefits for the State, driving economic growth and financial transformation. If they’re this rattled by a proposal, their response to its success might be truly spectacular to watch!,” said the SKM spokesperson.</span><span style="mso-spacerun:'yes';font-family:'Book Antiqua';mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:11.0000pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>

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