In an unusual move, Sikkim Chief Minister and SKM leader Prem Singh Tamang has opted to contest from two assembly constituencies – Soreng-Chakung and Rhenock – diverging from his previous victory in the Poklok-Kamrang constituency in 2019.
Tamang’s electoral strategy hinges on highlighting the welfare initiatives of his government, such as the provision of free LPG cylinders to households every quarter, an annual cash transfer of Rs 40,000 to women heads of families through the Aamaa Yojana, additional incentives for indigenous State government employees with more than one child, assistance for infant care for one year, and the regularisation of services for 27,000 temporary government employees.
Facing a multi-cornered contest, the 56-year-old Sikkim Krantikari Morcha leader is battling for the Rhenock assembly seat, with his former ministerial colleague Som Nath Poudyal among the five competitors. The other contenders include Kapil Prasad Sapkota (Congress), Prem Chhetri (BJP), Laxmi Sharma (SRP), and Tika Ram Sharma (CAP-S).
