India's Longest-Serving CM, Pawan Kumar Chamling, Loses In Sikkim Assembly Elections 2024

Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, India's longest-serving CM, and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) chief, faced defeat in the Poklok-Kamrang constituency. Chamling lost to SKM's Bhoj Raj Rai by a margin of 3,063 votes. He is also trailing in the Namcheybung constituency.

Chamling, 74, sought a record ninth term as MLA, contesting from two constituencies. In Namcheybung, he faced former bureaucrat and SKM nominee Raju Basnet, and two women candidates, Pooja Sharma (BJP) and Severine Rai (CAP-Sikkim). He lost in Namcheybung by 2,256 votes.

Quadrangular Contests in Both Constituencies

In Poklok-Kamrang, Chamling competed in a quadrangular contest with Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM being the main contender. Both constituencies saw a diverse range of candidates, making the contest more competitive.

The election witnessed 146 candidates vying for 32 assembly seats in the Himalayan state. Sikkim Chief Minister and SKM supremo Prem Singh Tamang also contested, along with Chamling. Both SKM and SDF fielded candidates for all 32 seats, followed by BJP (31), CAP-Sikkim (30), and Congress (12).

The broad participation across political parties highlights the competitive nature of Sikkim’s political landscape. The results reflect a significant shift in voter preferences, impacting long-standing political figures.

Chamling's defeat signals a change in Sikkim's political dynamics, with new leaders emerging. This election marks a critical juncture in the state's political trajectory, setting the stage for future developments.