GANGTOK, 26 Mar: After resigning from the Sikkim Democratic
Front, OP Bhandari filed his nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly
election as an independent candidate from Rhenock constituency today. Former
OSD [Legal] to the Chief Minister, Mr. Bhandari submitted his resignation to
the SDF party on 18 March, it is informed.
Addressing a press conference today after filing his
nomination, Mr Bhandari claimed that the people of Rhenock constituency wanted
him as their candidate but the ruling party has again fielded a candidate
against the wishes of the people of the area. “I wanted the party to cancel Bhim
Dhungel’s candidature and give me a chance this time but with many excuses the
party declined,” he added.
“Even if I am not elected as the MLA I will work for the
betterment of the area by filing PILs”, he stated.
Since the party has failed to see him as someone with
potential he stated that he will now prove his capability as an independent
candidate. Mr Bhandari alleged that the party should not have given tickets to
former MLAs and Ministers who are being investigated by the Patra Commission. “The
Returning Officers should check if these persons have mentioned this in their
affidavits otherwise I will find out myself,” said Mr. Bhandari.
