Skip to main content

I could not watch Rahul Gandhi because of my umbrella

The stage was set for the Yuvraj of Indian Politics at Palzor Stadium, Gangtok. Like many others, I was in a queue at the stadium's entrance gate under the scorching summer sun. With crowds rushing up like ants, the scenario everywhere was much different from what usually happens in Sikkim politics. 

I could hear national integration songs being scored up loudly on microphones as if I was about to witness a National festival, much like Independence Day or Republic Day. Among the crowd, I was holding a small handbag with an umbrella inside, as rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the region these days.

Congress supporters of all ages from every corner of the state had gathered. With all the hushing and pushing, I made my way to the security personnel who were checking every individual entering the stadium. I had my bag in front of me, and as I was ready to open the zip of my bag, I was told to keep aside the bag before entering the stadium. I showed them it was only an umbrella but I was denied, the same sentence echoed from behind ''if you want to enter inside remove your bag as well as remove your mobile battery". 

I found myself in a funny situation. I came all the way from Singtam, which was an hour-long drive with no vehicle available. Even after waiting more than half an hour, I hurried into a crowded bus to ensure I did not miss Rahul Gandhi. Now, when I was about to step my foot, I was told I could not do so without leaving my bag, I was now looking frustrated with the security personnel and asked them where I should throw my bag to enter inside. But I could not get a reply.

 
NB Bhandari helps Rahul Gandhi wear a Lepcha half jacket and a Nepali topi

I wanted to listen to Rahul Gandhi, click some photographs, and make my way back home in the evening since I knew there would be no vehicle to Singtam in the evening. But I felt sorry so near and yet so far that I could not do so. 

Feeling dejected, I returned to the stadium. I had in mind that I could not watch Rahul Gandhi because of my umbrella, yet I was consoling myself that tomorrow, every local newspaper would have Rahul's story and his photograph. Photo: Himalayadarpan

Comments

  1. Was just wondering if your umbrella was Blue,Yellow and red:)
    Nyways I too heard and saw it in the newspaper that Palzor Stadium was crowed by Congress supports but I even heard that Other party supporters were there to get a glimpse of Rahul Gandhi adding more people to the crowd(lol) Oh btw I dunno if its also True that all the vechiles were WB number and was paid 200 per head to bring Tehelka to the other party i.e SDF..God knows.
    well I aint a supporter of any Party but a true loving Daughter:)

    wadever,u always have something unique about your blog like Khali in sikkim etc etc..I wish u best for the coming future..And I personally feel u should get a Domain..If u do so..hope I can buy an Ad place in ur site:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Its an irony of life.....being in double democratic state i fear to disclose what was my parties symbol....

    well thanks for appreciating my work.....I was looking for domain but it cost me much more. But if i get someday i shall do think of you....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Its totally okay who you voted for because everyone have a right to vote and choose the one who they feel is right to rule the state...
    Domain indeed is expensive but setting up and designing will cost even more..I don't know if u ever came across http://www.freedomain.co.nr/..U can host blogspot from this server..if u sign up then u will have your own..www.sikhim.co.nr
    And there is www.webs.com( freewebs) which I feel is very resonable..
    Btw thanx a lot for putting up my blog.( that means a lot)
    God Bless

    ReplyDelete
  4. vickey palzor lepchaMay 06, 2009 3:13 PM

    wat i dnt usnderstand is..wats wrong in using WB vehicles???...if the sikkim people cannot give their vehicles for opposition's gatherings....remember..that day..SDF had shrewdly booked most of the sikkim vehicles..though they had no use at all..these are the reasons people....it wasnt easy to get vehicle for opposition leaders..really tough..but who cares....just because MG MARG has been beautified doesnt mean the roads of west sikkim, the schools ,water problems,etc are solved....my earnest request to all my sikkim lovers....just by lukin at MG MARG N NAMCHI..dnt judge 15 years..its mere foolishness...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Mr.Vickey Palzor Lepcha,
    I have been reading all your comments in this blog.I respect every comments and every points that you want to reach the people of Sikkim..Thats a job well done BUT,I don't get it why you have something or the other to say to every person's view.Well you have clearly said don't judge SDF by looking at MG MARG N NAMCHI and Don't Judge 15 years..I wish to understand Clearly what you mean.I suppose you mean not to Judge SSP( SIkkim Sangram PArishad)which ruled SIkkim for 15 years too without bringing any changes and doing nothing for SIkkim.If thats what you mean that you are right N its not mere foolishness but true thoughtfulness.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congress supporters of all age from every corner of the state had gathered. With all the hushing and pushing i made my way to the security personal who was checking every individual entering inside the stadium.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

They wanted to kill me??

AN ENVELOPE   A PIECE OF PAPER   LIST OF ADDRESSES INSIDE THE ENVELOPE I was part of a successful newspaper at Gangtok; the weekly newspaper “Weekend Review” was then considered the third party in Sikkim after the Sikkim Democratic Front led by Pawan Chamling and Congress led by N B. Bhandari, former Chief Minister of Sikkim. I had just completed my graduation when I got a chance to join the big-wig WR team. It took me a week to decide, and I was a news reporter. Even then, my primary concern was looking for Sikkim's old history. The new job was interesting, challenging, and more of an adventure. I never knew what I would do the next day or where I would be.  I was only told to file a report to the newspaper office at Gangtok every Thursday. I was associated with the WR team for more than two years till our editor was replaced, and I found it uncomfortable to work with the new editor. His lack of journalism ethics made me leave WR. Within the fol...

REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES

In memory of the brave Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hills who laid down their lives for the greater cause of the motherland, Nayan Subba takes the opportunity to recall their contributions on the occasion of the 58th Republic Day The Gorkhas are a small little community in India where people of diverse origins mingle to contribute a great composite Indian culture. They are the descendants of General Amar Singh Thapa who invaded India and annexed Garhwal and Kumaon that included the hill stations of Simla, Musssoorie, Lansdowne, Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh. In the northeast General Johar Singh and General Purna Ale overran a major part of Sikkim in 1788, which included Nagri and Darjeeling. The British defeated the Gorkhas during the Anglo Gorkha war of 1814-16 and the lands they had conquered were ceded to the British and re-profiled. Those who have been living in India since the Gorkha invasion are known as the Indian Gorkhas. Darjeeling is a much favoured tour...

Maharani Kunzang Dechen wife of Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal

Maharani with her children Photo shared by Tenpa I am thankful towards Tina Tashi for providing information about the persons in the photographs. Maharani Kunzang Dechhen in the centre to her left is Prince Paljor, to her right is Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal who later became the Chogya of Sikkiml, in front is Princess Pema Tsedeun. The baby is Princess Pema Choki. MAHARANI KUSHANG DECHEN RAGASHAR was married to Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, the King of Sikkim on 8th October 1918 at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery. They had three sons and three daughters: Paljor Namgyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, Jigdal Tsewing Namgyal, Pema Tsedong Namgyal, Pema Choki Namgyal and Sonam Palden Namgyal. Maharani Kunzang Dechen died at the Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, March 1987. NB: Information taken from Royalark