New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its first list of 14 candidates for the upcoming Sikkim Assembly elections.


The saffron party has named Dilli Ram Thapa from Upper Burtuk, Narendra Kumar Subba from Maneybung-Dentam, Sanchaman Limboo from Yangthang, and Sancho Lepcha from Rinchenpong, among other candidates.






Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday released its list of 18 candidates from the Sikkim Assembly elections.


Among the candidates were Kamal Lepcha from Yoksam Tashiding, Mangal Subba from Yangthang, Srayes Subba from Gyalshing Barmyak, Karma Loday Lepcha from Rinchenpong, Dinesh Darjee from Salghari Zoom, Sandup Lepcha from Tumen Lengi, Binod Tikhatri from West Pendum.





BJP on Saturday called off its alliance with the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and said the saffron party will fight alone in the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the Himalayan state.


Contrary to the BJP's announcement, SKM hasn't dismissed the possibility of forming a post-election alliance with the saffron party, akin to the arrangement made after the 2019 polls, reported PTI.


State BJP President DR Thapa had announced the decision to contest solo upon his return to Sikkim following discussions in Delhi with the party's central leadership regarding seat-sharing with the SKM. Addressing party members in Rangpo, Thapa said, "The alliance with SKM has ended," the report added.


Sikkim has 32 assembly constituencies and one Lok Sabha seat. Polling for the assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously on April 19.


The last date for filing nominations for the Sikkim Assembly polls is March 27, scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on March 28 and the withdrawal of nominations has been scheduled for March 30.


Counting of votes for the 32 assembly seats will be held on June 2 and for the lone Lok Sabha seat on June 4.