Gangtok: In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections in Sikkim, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), erstwhile allies since 2019, have decided not to form a pre-poll alliance.
Speaking exclusively with East Mojo, Sikkim BJP President Dilli Ram Thapa confirmed that the BJP would be contesting independently in the upcoming elections.
Thapa revealed that a meeting between state BJP leaders and the central BJP leadership in New Delhi on Friday concluded with the decision for the BJP to contest the elections solo in Sikkim.
He further disclosed that the BJP would be fielding candidates in all assembly seats as well as the lone Lok Sabha seat. “Currently, we are confident of 25 candidates, comprising both fresh faces and seasoned leaders. Among the 12 incumbent legislators, 3-4 have been retained. Other legislators are free to choose whether to align with the BJP or not,” shared Thapa.
Addressing concerns about the decision not to ally, Thapa clarified, “The choice to forgo the alliance was made by the party high command. However, the sitting legislators retain the freedom to decide whether to join forces with the BJP or pursue their paths.”
Thapa also announced that the first list of candidates would be unveiled by this evening, with the remaining candidates to be announced by tomorrow.
The state BJP team is scheduled to return to Sikkim from Delhi today.
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