Gangtok

The Sikkim cabinet on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years as head of government.

A special cabinet meeting was held to mark the milestone, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said in a social media post.

The chief minister said he and his council of ministers acknowledged Modi's leadership and commitment to nation-building, inclusive development and good governance, describing his 25-year journey as an example of turning challenges into opportunities for national progress.

Tamang said the Northeast emerged as an important driver of development, connectivity, investment and tourism under Modi's leadership.

He also referred to Modi's description of the eight northeastern states as "Ashtalakshmi", saying the term reflected their cultural wealth, natural beauty, strategic importance and economic potential.

Improved infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood opportunities had opened new avenues for development in the region, Tamang said, adding that the state government remained committed to working with the Centre towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India.

The chief minister said Modi's presence at the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th Statehood celebrations had been a blessing for the people of the state.

"We shall always remain deeply grateful for the generous support extended by him during our most difficult times, be it the Covid-19 pandemic, the devastating Teesta flood, earthquakes, landslides, and other moments of acute need," Tamang said.

The cabinet also stressed the need to balance development with environmental sustainability and disaster resilience in Sikkim, a Himalayan state vulnerable to natural disasters, Tamang said.

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Reaffirming the state's commitment to working closely with the Centre, the chief minister said his government aimed to build a prosperous, progressive and self-reliant Sikkim.