The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party has achieved a dominant position in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, effectively leaving the State without a formal Opposition. Following their decisive victory in the 2024 elections, SKM now holds 30 legislative seats. This includes the addition of Tenzin Norbu Lamtha, the sole legislator from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), who has joined SKM, further solidifying their control.
With this shift in Sikkim’s political landscape, attention now turns to two imminent by-elections in Soreng-Chakung and Namchi. The Soreng-Chakung seat was vacated by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who won from both Rhenock and Soreng-Chakung constituencies. The Namchi seat was left open by Madame Chief Minister Krishna Kumari Rai (Golay). The Election Commission has not yet announced the dates for these by-polls.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had previously secured two seats in by-elections, now faces a challenging scenario. The BJP’s State president, DR Thapa, is currently in Delhi, amid speculation that the party might push for by-polls to establish an opposition presence. However, the political dynamics have shifted significantly, with CM Prem Singh Tamang’s strengthened position, holding 30 MLAs compared to 17 in 2019.
These by-elections will be a critical test for opposition unity and will provide valuable insights into the stability and effectiveness of the SKM-led government under Golay’s leadership.
