Sikkim Prepares for Elections: CAP Names Assembly Candidates, Independent Eyes Lok Sabha

In a significant political development from Gangtok on March 22, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) unveiled its list of 14 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Sikkim. This announcement comes alongside the news that an independent candidate, Beena Rai, has stepped forward to contest for Sikkim's solitary Lok Sabha seat. The state, which comprises 32 assembly constituencies, is gearing up for both assembly and Lok Sabha elections scheduled to occur concurrently on April 19.

Beena Rai submitted her nomination papers to Tushar Nikhare, the Gangtok District Collector and Returning Officer, marking a notable moment in the election process. Despite this being the third day since nominations began, Rai's filing was unique as no other nominations for the 32 assembly seats have been reported thus far, according to the Chief Electoral Officer's office.

The CAP, at a press briefing led by Working President D.B. Chauhan, disclosed their candidates for the assembly elections. Among the notable names are Hari Chadda Chettri for Namthang-Rateypani and Jitne Bhutia for the Yuksam-Tashiding Bhutia Lepcha-Reserved seat. Other candidates include P.D. Limboo for Yangthang, P.D. Sherpa for Daramdin, Kaushal Lohagun for Zoom-Salghari SC seat, and Mahesh Rai for Namchi-Singithang, a constituency previously held by former Chief Minister and SDF leader Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Chauhan also mentioned that the party would announce its candidates for the remaining 18 assembly seats and the lone Lok Sabha constituency on March 24. This move indicates CAP's strategic planning in securing a significant foothold in Sikkim's political landscape.

The election schedule is tightly packed, with March 27 marked as the last date for filing nominations. The scrutiny of nomination papers is slated for March 28, followed by the withdrawal of nominations on March 30. The counting of votes is scheduled on June 2 for the assembly seats and June 4 for the Lok Sabha seat, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched electoral battle in this Himalayan state.