The Himalayan state of Sikkim witnessed a decisive electoral battle in Sikkim Assembly election 2024 as voters headed to the polls to elect their representatives. Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) won 31 out of 32 assembly seats and the incumbent Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang is set to lead the state for a second consecutive term.
Who is Prem Singh Tamang?
Prem Singh Tamang, affectionately known as P. S. Golay, has carved an inspiring path in Indian politics. Born on February 5, 1968, in the Tamang family of Kalu Singh Tamang and Dhan Maya Tamang, he hails from Singling Busty in West Sikkim. His journey from a government teacher to the 6th Chief Minister of Sikkim is nothing short of remarkable.
Early Years and Education: Prem Singh Tamang graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Darjeeling Government College in 1988. After completing his studies, he embarked on a teaching career at a state-run school. Little did he know that his passion for social work and politics would soon lead him down a different path.
Entry into Politics: In 1994, Tamang made his political debut as the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidate in the Soreng-Chakung constituency, West Sikkim. His victory in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly marked the beginning of a long and impactful political journey. During his tenure with the SDF, he served as the State Youth Convenor and Vice-President.
Ministerial Roles: Tamang’s commitment to public service led him to ministerial roles within the Sikkim government. He held consecutive terms in various departments:
- 1994–1999: Minister for Animal Husbandry, Ecclesiastical, and Industry Department
- 1999–2004: Minister for Industries and Animal Husbandry
- 2004–2009: Minister for Building and Housing Department
In 2009, he won the election in the Burtuk Constituency and was nominated as the Chairperson of the Industries Department. His dedication to development and governance earned him respect across party lines.
The Birth of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM): In 2013, Tamang’s journey took a pivotal turn. He resigned from the SDF and founded the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). The SKM emerged as a formidable force, challenging the established political order. Tamang’s leadership and vision resonated with the people, and the party gained momentum.
Electoral Triumphs: Tamang’s electoral victories speak volumes about his popularity:
- 1994–2009: Represented the Upper Burtuk constituency
- 2009–2019: Represented the Poklok-Kamrang constituency
- 2019–present: Continues to represent Poklok-Kamrang
His son, Aditya Tamang, also serves as an SKM member in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from Soreng-Chakung.
Rebellion and Resilience: Tamang’s journey wasn’t without challenges. He rebelled against his political mentor, Pawan Kumar Chamling, and forged his own path. His resilience and determination propelled him forward, culminating in his election as Chief Minister in 2019.
Prem Singh Tamang’s political journey exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and the power of grassroots movements. As he continues to lead Sikkim, his story inspires countless others to believe in the transformative potential of public service.
Sikkim Assembly election 2024 results:
- Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Dominates: The SKM, led by Prem Singh Tamang, also named as P.S. Golay, secured a resounding victory, winning 31 out of the 32 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Their impressive performance left the opposition parties trailing far behind.
- Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Limited to One Seat: The SDF, which had been in power for decades, managed to secure only one seat. This defeat marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
- National Parties Left Out: Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) contested the elections but failed to make a significant impact. The local parties, SKM and SDF, maintained their stronghold, leaving no room for national parties to exert dominance.
Winners Across Constituencies in Sikkim Assembly
Here’s a glimpse of the winners from various constituencies:
- Yuksam–Tashiding: Tshering Thendup Bhutia (SKM) emerged victorious with 8721 votes.
- Yangthang: Bhim Hang Limboo (SKM) secured 6621 votes.
- Maneybong–Dentam: Sudesh Kumar Subba (SKM) won with 8553 votes.
- Gyalshing–Barnyak: Lok Nath Sharma (SKM) clinched victory with 5612 votes.
- Rinchenpong: Erung Tenzing Lepcha (SKM) garnered 9624 votes.
- Daramdin: Mingma Norbu Sherpa (SKM) triumphed with 9404 votes.
- Soreng–Chakung: P.S. Tamang (SKM) secured 10480 votes.
- Salghari–Zoom: Madan Cintury (SKM) emerged victorious with 5678 votes.
- Barfung: Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia (SKM) won with 8358 votes.
- Poklok–Kamrang: Bhoj Raj Rai (SKM) clinched victory with 8037 votes.
And so on, across all 32 constituencies, the SKM dominated the electoral landscape, leaving no doubt about their mandate.
Sikkim Assembly Election 2019 results
The serene Himalayan state of Sikkim witnessed fierce electoral battle five years ago in Sikkim assembly election 2019.The stakes were high, and the results would determine the course of governance for the next term.
The Battle of Two Titans: SDF vs. SKM: The contest primarily boiled down to two major parties: the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) led by Pawan Kumar Chamling and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) led by Prem Singh Tamang (popularly known as P. S. Golay). The SDF had held power for over two decades, while the SKM sought to unseat the incumbent and bring about change.
Results at a Glance:
- Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM): 17 seats
- Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF): 15 seats
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 0 seats
- Indian National Congress: 0 seats
- Hamro Sikkim Party: 0 seats
- Sikkim Republican Party: 0 seats
- Sikkim Rajya Manch: 0 seats
- Sikkim United Front Party: 0 seats
- Jai Maha Bharath Party: 0 seats
- Independents: 0 seats
- None of the Above: 0 seats
Key Takeaways of 2019:
- Prem Singh Tamang’s Victory: Prem Singh Tamang, who contested from the Poklok-Kamrang constituency, emerged victorious. His journey from a government teacher to Chief Minister is an inspiring tale of grassroots politics and resilience.
- Shift in Power: The SKM secured 17 seats, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape. The SDF, though still formidable, faced a seven-seat loss compared to the previous election.
- National Parties Marginalized: The BJP and Congress failed to win any seats, highlighting the dominance of regional parties in Sikkim’s politics.
- High Voter Turnout: An impressive 81.43% voter turnout reflected the electorate’s engagement and commitment to democracy.
- In Yoksam-Tashiding, Sangay Lepcha (SKM) narrowly defeated Dichen Wangchuk Bhutia (SDF).
- Bhim Hang Limboo (SKM) secured victory in Yangthang, edging out Dal Bahadur Subba (SDF).
- Lok Nath Sharma (SKM) triumphed in Gyalshing-Barnyak, widening the party’s lead.
- Aditya Tamang (SKM) emerged victorious in Soreng-Chakung, a closely contested battle.
- Tashi Thendup Bhutia (SDF) retained the Barfung seat with a strong mandate.
The Sikkim Assembly election 2019 marked a turning point, with the SKM challenging the established order. As Prem Singh Tamang assumed office, Sikkim embarked on a new chapter, guided by the aspirations of its people.
Implications and Way Forward:
The SKM’s landslide victory reflects the electorate’s confidence in their leadership. As the state government gears up for its second term, the focus will be on addressing key issues such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. The SDF, now reduced to a single seat, faces an uphill battle in rebuilding its base and regaining relevance.
In conclusion, Sikkim’s political landscape has witnessed a seismic shift, and the SKM’s resounding win sets the tone for the next five years. The people have spoken, and their verdict is clear: continuity over change.