New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday released its first list of 18 candidates for the upcoming 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.


The development came hours after the BJP called off its alliance with ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and said the saffron party will go it 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.


State BJP President DR Thapa 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."


He emphasised a new phase of independent action against corruption and dedicated commitment to Sikkim's progress, asserting that the dissolution of the alliance offers a great opportunity to serve the state's interests.


"A new era of independent action against corruption and a focused commitment to Sikkim's development has begun... the dissolution of the alliance provides a great opportunity to serve the interests of the people of the state," PTI quoted Thapa as saying.


Thapa also said the central leadership of the state unit was ready to contest all 32 assembly seats and the lone Lok Sabha seat independently.


In response, SKM leader Jacob Khaling Rai, also the political secretary to the Chief Minister, said, "While we did not form a pre-election alliance with the BJP previously, we did establish a post-election alliance for the greater good of the nation and the state. This possibility is not being ruled out this time either."


Rai also congratulated the BJP for proceeding with its decision to contest the elections alone.