GANGTOK: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Sikkim slated for April 19, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its second list of candidates, nominating nine individuals to contest in the state.
With this announcement, the BJP has finalized a total of 23 candidates for the electoral fray in Sikkim.
Among the newly named candidates, Bhim Kumar Sharma has been selected to contest from the Gyalshing-Barnyak constituency, while Aruna Manger will represent the party in the Namchi-Singhithang constituency. Other nominees include Yogen Rai for the Melli seat, Phurba Rinzing Sherpa for Tumin-Lingee, Pempo Tshering Lepcha for Shyari, Chewang Dadul Bhutia for Martam-Rumtek, Niren Bhandari for Upper Tadong, Pema Wangyal Rinzing for Gangtok, and Bhupal Baraily for West-Pendam.
Previously, the BJP had announced a list of 14 candidates, including the retention of two sitting legislators
. Notably, Sikkim BJP president DR Thapa secured a ticket from Upper Burtuk after switching allegiance from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party.
MLA Narendra Kumar Subba retained his candidacy for the Maneybong Dentam constituency, while former legislator Tseten Tashi Bhutia will contest from the Sangha seat.
However, some legislators, including Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, along with three defectors from the SDF party – Raj Kumari Thapa (Yangang-Rangang), Tashi Thendup Bhutia (Barfung), and Pintso Namgyal Lepcha (Dzongu) – resigned from the BJP on Sunday.
In parallel, the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has announced its list of 30 candidates for the Sikkim assembly election.
Notably, former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will contest from Poklok-Kamrang, while former Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia will vie for the Barfung constituency.
The Sikkim assembly comprises 32 seats. In the 2019 elections, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha secured 17 seats, the exact number required to form a majority in the state, while the BJP won 11 seats.
The deadline for nomination filing ends on March 27, with scrutiny scheduled for March 28. Voting for both the Sikkim assembly and Lok Sabha seats is set for April 19, with the counting of votes slated for June 2.