BJP ties up with Sikkim Krantikari Morcha for bypolls

Gangtok: Eyeing a toehold in the last holdout northeastern state, BJP has formed an alliance with P S Golay-led Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) for three assembly bypolls on October 21.

BJP will field candidates in two East Sikkim seats — Martam Rumtek and Gangtok. CM Golay, who is yet to be elected, is likely to contest from Poklok-Kamrang in South Sikkim.

State BJP in-charge Nitin Nabin said on Saturday that the alliance had been arranged in public interest. “This is the start of a new era for Sikkim as the ruling parties of the state and the Centre have come together. We stand with issues raised by SKM and are committed to fulfilling demands. BJP has no plan to abrogate Article 371F,” he said.

The development comes after 10 Sikkim Democratic Front MLAs joined BJP, making it the principal opposition party in the 32-member assembly. BJP by itself had drawn a blank in rural and urban body polls and its state polls candidates have alw-ays forfeited their deposits.

Full report on www.toi.in