Sikkim’s upcoming 50th Statehood Day is generating headlines as Chief Minister P.S. Tamang has proposed to bring Ed Sheeran to a grand four-day music festival. Supporters see this event as an opportunity for tourism and cultural exchange, while critics argue that such extravagance undermines the state's financial priorities.
In recent statement given by Citizen action party (CAP) spokesperson Albert Gurung, He criticized the government for prioritizing entertainment over pressing issues, such as timely salary payments to employees and clearing dues of small and medium contractors. Gurung highlighted that Ed Sheeran’s concert fees, ranging between ₹226 crore and ₹236 crore, would place an enormous burden on the state’s financial resources.
The current leadership is more focused on hosting celebrities than addressing the needs of the people. If Sikkim were prosperous, we would welcome stars like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. But right now, the government must focus on improving healthcare, education, and employment, Gurung remarked.
While on the other hand, the Student Wing general secretary “Rewaj Gurung” stated support for the government's festival plans, pointing out the potential economic and cultural gains for Sikkim. They're betting on raking in about ₹20 crore from ticket sales, another ₹40 crore from transportation, and ₹43.5 crore from hotels and restaurants. He stated that They’re not just seeing it as entertainment. "It's a chance to put Sikkim on the global map and give our local artists a shot at sharing the stage with international stars, they said, emphasizing the broader vision. The world won’t just think of Sikkim as a peaceful tourist spot anymore—it’ll recognize us as a cultural hub.
