SKM releases final list of candidates; Golay moves to Namthang leaving Chakung for Bharati Sharma

GANGTOK, 23 Mar: The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha released its final list of candidates late Sunday evening. The list, released to the media over email, includes names of candidates of the remaining eleven constituencies not covered in the earlier two lists released by the party and also a change in the party president, PS Tamang’s [Golay] constituency.

Mr. Tamang, whose candidature had earlier been announced for Soreng-Chakung and Upper Burtuk, retains the latter constituency but has shifted out of Soreng-Chakung to instead contest from Namthang-Rateypani. The party has awarded the Soreng-Chakung constituency to its working president Bharati Sharma and Mr. Tamang will now go up against SDF candidates Tilu Gurung in Namthang-Rateypani and DR Thapa in  Upper Burtuk.

Among Mr. Tamang’s first backers in his move against SDF, Bhojraj Rai, gets the Poklok-Kamrang ticket where he is pitted against KB Rai of the SDF. Interestingly, both candidates have, in the past, represented Jorethang as SDF MLA’s in pre-delimitation elections.

With MK Subba out of the contention on a technicality, the Rangang-Yangang constituency from where Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is contesting will have Bikash Basnet wearing the SKM colours.

Among the remaining candidates in the final list are Lok Nath Sharma from Gyalshing-Bernyak, Prem Karki from Melli, Dr. MK Sharma from Khamdong-Singtam, Hemendra Adhikari from Rhenock, Dr. Michung Bhutia from Martam-Rumtek, Shyam Sundar Pradhan from Arithang, Pintsho Chopel Lepcha from Gangtok and Sandup Lepcha from Lachen-Mangan.