The Sikkim Democratic Front party has released its final list of candidates for the upcoming Assembly and parliamentary elections in the state. The party has released the list of 14 candidates for the Assembly elections and a candidate for the lone Lok Sabha seat of Sikkim.
Sitting minister DT Lepcha, who already got the party ticket from Gnathang-Machong constituency, is also contesting the election from Martam-Rumtek constituency and another sitting minister, Tshering Wangdi Lepcha, is contesting from Lachen-Mangan constituency.
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Likewise, sitting MLAs in the final list to contest the election are Gopal Baraily from West Pendam, Hamendra Adhikari from Rhenock, Shyam Pradhan from Arithang, DR Thapa from Upper Burtuk and Ugen Nedup Bhutia from Kabi-Lungchok.
The new faces in the final list are DB Subba from Yangthang, Sancha Raj Subba from Soreng-Chakung, Tashi Thendup Bhutia from Barfung, GM Gurung from Khamdong-Singtam, KB Rai from Chujachen, Karma Ongdi Bhutia from Shyari and DB Katwal from the lone Lok Sabha seat. Tshering Lama is contesting the election from Sangha seat.
In a press conference, SDF spokesperson PD Rai officially announced names of SDF candidates in the final list unanimously approved by the parliamentary committee of the party. He informed that the party has given tickets to 18 new faces including Lok Sabha and four women candidates. He further added that the party has also fulfilled its promise to give five candidates from Limboo and Tamang communities. He informed that the party has three Limboo candidates and two Tamang candidates.
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Responding to queries on sitting minister DT Lepcha who is contesting from two seats, SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal stated that it was a strategic decision of the party – “DT Lepcha was an effective and popular MLA and minister from Sang-Martam constituency and on the demand of the people of the area the party unanimously decided to give him ticket from Martam-Rumtek as well.”