Election Results 2024 Sikkim Highlights: Prem Singh Tamang-led SKM cruises to emphatic victory in Sikkim

For the first time in nearly 40 years, five-term former chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will not be seen inside the Sikkim Assembly after a crushing defeat at the hands of protégé-turned-archrival Prem Singh Tamang's SKM. PTI

Not only did his Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) lose 31 of the 32 assembly seats it contested in the polls, but even the 73-year-old politician could not win either of the two seats, Namcheybung and Poklok-Kamrang, he fought, a result few could have predicted.
Although the outcome of the assembly polls may be devastating for hardcore SDF supporters, the fall of Chamling, once a powerful regional satrap who thrived on sub-nationalism, had begun five years ago.

The SDF suffered a massive desertion of 12 MLAs soon after the 2019 assembly elections, when Sikkim Krantikari Morcha ended Chamling's 25-year rule. Ten SDF legislators joined the BJP and two switched sides to the SKM, leaving Chamling as the lone party MLA in the assembly.

The SKM and BJP also poached a large number of SDF workers at the grassroots level. Even the entry of former Indian football skipper Bhaichung Bhatia into SDF failed to improve the prospects of the party.

During the SKM’s tenure, between 2019 and 2024, the state witnessed violence against political activities and students. The SKM government was criticised for how it handled these incidents. Therefore, one of the SDF’s main political promises was to bring peace back to the state, so much so that this was the first promise in its manifesto. However, the SKM’s narrative of job security seems to have overwhelmed the peace narrative. Since the beginning of the year, CM Golay has distributed thousands of job appointments, regularised those in ad-hoc positions or gave memorandum for regularisation to temporary employees and promoted those already in regular jobs.

The election result data suggests that those who received this job appointment, promotion or regularisation orders voted for the SKM. Read More

The election results data suggests a massive Golay “wave”. The first indication is in Rhenock constituency where he won with 64.54 per cent of the votes, followed by the SDF’s Som Nath Poudyal, who was able to secure 19.5 per cent of the votes. What’s noteworthy is that Rhenock is an upper-caste stronghold despite being the SKM’s winning seat since 2014. When the party lost the 2014 assembly elections, its upper-caste candidate Hemendra Adhikari won from there. Later, in 2019, it was another upper-caste candidate, Bishnu Kumar Sharma, who won for the party. So when Golay, hailing from a tribal community, submitted his candidacy for Rhenock against the veteran upper-caste politician from SDF, Poudyal, the decision appeared risky.  Read More

Apart from the total number of seats, the SKM’s biggest achievement this election has been the constituency-wise vote share with which it won. The election results data suggests a massive Golay “wave”. The first indication is in Rhenock constituency where he won with 64.54 per cent of the votes, followed by the SDF’s Som Nath Poudyal, who was able to secure 19.5 per cent of the votes. Read More

The biggest loss for the SDF came via its chief Chamling, who lost both his seats Poklok Kamrang and Namcheybung. In the Poklok Kamrang assembly constituency, Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM secured 8,037 votes while Chamling got 4,974 votes. Meanwhile, in Namcheybung, the former CM lost to SKM’s Raju Basnet by 2,256 votes.

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), under the leadership of Pawan Kumar Chamling, dominated Sikkim's political landscape for over two decades, winning five consecutive terms. However, the party's decline began with Prem Singh Tamang's rebellion and the formation of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in 2013. By 2019, the SDF's dominance had waned significantly as the SKM won 17 seats, unseating Chamling. The SDF's further decline was marked by mass defections and a crushing defeat in the 2024 elections.

Find out how SKM retained Sikkim with Himalayan win, reduces SDF to one seat.  

Prior to the announcement of the results, prevailing sentiments within the state suggested that this was going to be a closely-contested electoral battle between the incumbent SKM and the main Opposition party, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) led by former chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. However, the SKM won 31 out of 32 seats with a total vote percentage of 58.38. Read More

The final results came as a surprise to many observers, not because of the victory itself, but due to the significant margins in both the total seat count and the percentage of votes secured by the SKM in each constituency, writes Ugen Bhutia.

The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), under the leadership of Pawan Kumar Chamling, dominated Sikkim's political landscape for over two decades, winning five consecutive terms. However, the party's decline began with Prem Singh Tamang's rebellion and the formation of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in 2013. By 2019, the SDF's dominance had waned significantly as the SKM won 17 seats, unseating Chamling. The SDF's further decline was marked by mass defections and a crushing defeat in the 2024 elections.

In 2013, Prem Singh Tamang, disillusioned with the leadership of Sikkim's then-chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, rebelled and founded the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). Tamang's defection from Chamling's Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) marked a significant political shift. His new party quickly gained traction, culminating in the SKM's decisive victory in the 2019 state elections, where they ended Chamling's long tenure by winning 17 seats. This rebellion set the stage for Tamang’s rise as a prominent political leader in Sikkim.

SDF president and former CM Pawan Chamling lost from both the seats he contested elections.
 
"I also want to thank the opposition as it is because of them that our party became stronger and more organised," he said. Tamang asked the party workers to maintain calm in the aftermath of the landslide victory. PTI  

Laying down the priorities for the future, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said that over the next five years, the state government's focus will be on the progress and prosperity of all people.
 
"Our past achievements, like the 'Aama Yojana' for the welfare of poor mothers, reflect our commitment. This victory is a testament to the blessings and support that we received from our dear people, especially the most vulnerable," he added.
 
"We will continue our efforts to support the poor, the sick, and the needy. From the unborn child to our senior citizens, we will stand by every Sikkimese in their times of need. Despite challenges, our unity and determination will help us overcome obstacles. The people have given us a great gift by entrusting us with their future, and we will honor this trust with unwavering dedication," the SKM supremo said.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamangwon from both Rhenock and Soreng-Chakung constituencies that he contested.

Speaking after his victory, he said:  "Your unwavering support has led us to this landmark victory, a triumph of truth and the people's will. Our Sikkimese community has transcended past negativities and divisive ideologies," Tamang said. 

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang's SKM party won a landslide victory, securing 31 of 32 assembly seats. Tamang credited the win to the party's hard work and people's trust in his government's performance over the past five years. He expressed gratitude to the people of Sikkim for the "historic victory."

"It is because of the love and trust of the people which we have managed to secure in the past five years in government. Besides, party cadres worked very hard. Now we have the next five years to give our 100 per cent for the people of Sikkim," he said at a gathering in Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, as per PTI. 

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, also known as P S Golay, hails from West Sikkim and has been actively involved in the state since the early 1990s after resigning from his job as a government teacher. He won his first election on a SDF ticket from Soreng-Chakung.

In 2012, he openly rebelled against the SDF leadership, which suspended him from the party over his attendance along with 11 other MLAs in the Rholu picnic event. He resigned from the SDF in September 2013 and floated the SKM a month later.

On the other hand, Tamang’s wife Krishna Kumari Rai won from the Namchi-Singhithang Assembly constituency. Rai defeated her nearest SDF rival Bimal Rai by 5,302 votes. Find out more. 

Regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed confidence that the NDA government led by the BJP would be formed at the national level, and predicted that the coalition would secure a decisive mandate of over 400 seats in the parliament, as per ANI. 

fter the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party's sweeping victory in the Sikkim Assembly elections, Chief Minister and SKM chief Prem Singh Tamang stated that his party would fulfill all of its election promises within 5 years. He expressed gratitude towards his party workers for their hard work, and also thanked the public, noting that the election was the most peaceful on record in Sikkim.

#WATCH | Supporters of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party gathered at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim to celebrate the party's victory in the Sikkim Assembly Elections. The SKM party, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, won 31 out of the 32 Assembly seats.

#WATCH | Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) supporters gathered at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim to celebrate the party's victory in the Sikkim Assembly Elections

SKM led by CM Prem Singh Tamang won 31 seats out of 32 Assembly seats. pic.twitter.com/5ttgjWN6qp

— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

This is the front page of The Indian Express published on October 14, 1979.

: The ruling BJP which already had 10 “unopposed” win in the bag returns to power in the state with an overwhelming majority. With 46 of 60 seats, the Pema Khandu-led BJP is all set to form the government for the third consecutive term. Meanwhile, the Congress won one seat in Bameng, the National People’s Party (NPEP) won five seats so far and three Independent candidates have won. The votes cast for 133 candidates in elections to 50 assembly seats in the state were counted at about 24 centres. Read our live blog

The SDF, which was once a dominant force in the state and had held its reins since 1984, first tasted defeat in the 2019 Assembly polls at the hands of the SKM, which won 17 seats, two more than its rival. While the SKM secured a vote share of 47.1%, the SDF managed to poll 47.63% of the votes.

In a tweet, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "I'm confident that under the leadership of Shri @PSTamangGolay ji and the guidance of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Sikkim will continue on its developmental journey with full vigour." 

In response, Prem Singh Tamang, said, "Thank you, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri @himantabiswa Ji. Your kind words mean a great deal to us as we strive to fulfill our vision for the development and prosperity of Sikkim." 

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday retained power with a landslide win in the Himalayan state of Sikkim winning 31 of the 32 seats in the Assembly polls while restricting the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) to just one.

The SDF, which was once a dominant force in the state and had held its reins since 1984, first tasted defeat in the 2019 Assembly polls at the hands of the SKM, which won 17 seats, two more than its rival. While the SKM secured a vote share of 47.1%, the SDF managed to poll 47.63% of the votes.

Both national parties – the Congress and BJP – are set to draw a blank like the Citizen Action Party-Sikkim (CAP-S). The SKM, which had contested the 2019 Assembly polls with support from the BJP, contested the April 19 simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections alone. 

The incumbent Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, will be getting his second consecutive tenure as the head of the state, as his party SKM (Sikkim Krantikari Morcha) registered a mammoth victory in the 2024 state assembly elections by winning 31 out of the 32 seats in the state, as SDF only managed to secure only one seat.The state of Sikkim, comprised of 32 Legislative Assembly seats, held polling for all its seats on Friday, April 19, 2024. SKM and SDF contested on all the 32 seats, while BJP and Congress contested on 31 and 12 seats, respectively.In the 2019 elections, the (Sikkim Krantikari Morcha) won a total of 18 seats (Prem Singh Tamang won the by-poll from Poklok–Kamrang), while SDF (Sikkim Democratic Front) won 14 seats, as the two leading parties covered all the seats, giving no space to national parties like BJP and Congress in the state once again.  Find full list of winners here.  

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory tweet, SKM Chief CM Prem Singh Tamang expressed his gratitude, saying, 'Thank you for your kind words and support, Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards the development and prosperity of Sikkim. We look forward to collaborating with you to achieve our shared goals for the betterment of our state.'

Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party and Chief Minister PS Tamang on their victory in the 2024 Sikkim Assembly Elections.PM Modi tweeted, 'Congratulations to SKM and CM @PSTamangGolay for their victory in the Sikkim Assembly Elections 2024. I look forward to working with the State Government to further the progress of Sikkim in the coming times.'

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has returned to power in the state with a resounding victory, securing a landslide win by capturing 31 out of 32 seats in the assembly elections. 

When asked about SDF's Pawan Chamling's defeat, Tamang attributed it to the accomplishments achieved in just five years compared to the 25-year tenure of the SDF. "Pawan Kumar Chamling lost completely in 2019 only but it’s a democracy. The work they couldn’t do in 25 years, we did it in five years. People have voted on that basis,” Tamang said. VIDEO | Assembly Elections 2024: “(SDF leader) Pawan Kumar Chamling lost completely in 2019 only but it’s a democracy. The work they couldn’t do in 25 years, we did it in five years. People have voted on that basis,” says Sikkim CM Designate Prem Singh Tamang as party workers… pic.twitter.com/obIcEpgJVC— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 2, 2024

As the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha crossed the halfway mark by securing victoy in 21 of the 32 assembly seats, SKM Chief Prem Singh Tamang expressed gratitude to the people of Sikkim and acknowledged the hard work of his party workers.He highlighted the challenges faced over the past five years, including the pandemic and the 2023 floods and emphasised that despite these challenges, the Sikkim government did not waver from its commitment to work for the people.

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has surpassed the halfway mark, securing 20 out of 32 assembly seats in the state.

Former Sikkim Chief Minister and SDF supremo Pawan Kumar Chamling was defeated by SKM nominee Bhoj Raj Rai in the Poklok assembly seat by a margin of 3,063 votes.He is also contesting from the Namcheybung assembly constituency where he was trailing by 1,935 votes

People celebrate outside the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) office in Gangtok as the party wins 16 seats in the assembly elections and is leading in 15 othersVIDEO | People celebrate outside Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) office in #Gangtok as the party is set to form government in the state after sweeping the Assembly elections. #SKM has won 16 seats and leading on 15 others. The Sikkim Democratic Front (#SDF) has won one seat, as… pic.twitter.com/3OZxm4Jonb— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 2, 2024

The Sikkim Democratic Front secured a win in the Shyari constituency, marking its first victory in the current election.

The Sikkim Krantikarti Morcha has secured victory in 14 seats, while the party is currently leading from 17 other constituencies. It has secured victory from: Gangtok, Gnathang-Machong, Kabi-Lunghcuk, Namthang-Rateypani, Chujachen, Yuksom Tashiding, Rhenock, West Pendam, Yanthang, Lachen Mangan, Poklok Kamrang, Shyari, Temi-Namphing and Djongu constituencies. 

The SKM is poised to retain power in Sikkim, with the party winning 11 out of the 32 seats in the state and maintaining its lead in 20 other seats. 

A video shared by news agency PTI showed people celebrating SKM's victory by bursting crackers.Prem Singh Tamang, the Chief Minister of Sikkim and leader of the SKM party, won decisively in the Rhenock constituency, securing a 7,044-vote margin over his SDF rival Som Nath Poudyal.Currently, the SKM party has won in 11 constituencies and is leading in 20 more seats.VIDEO | Sikkim Assembly Election Results 2024: People burst crackers as they celebrate SKM's victory. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is set form government in the state as it has won seven seats and leading on 24 others. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is leading on one… pic.twitter.com/MckGlMe61e— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 2, 2024

Sikkim Chief Minister and SKM chief Prem Singh Tamang has secured victory from the Rhenock constituency, defeating SDF competitor, Som Nath Poudyal by a margin of 7044 votes. 

SKM has won 7 out of the 32 seats in the Assembly Elections.The party has secured victory from Gangtok, Gnathang-Machong, Kabi-Lunghcuk, Namthang-Rateypani, Chujachen, Yuksom Tashiding, Rhenock, West Pendam, Yanthang and Djongu constituencies.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is poised to maintain its hold on power in the State Assembly elections, having clinched victory in 7 out of the 32 assembly seats, with the party leading in 24 additional seats.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is poised to maintain its hold on power in the State Assembly elections, having clinched victory in 4 out of the 32 assembly seats, with the party leading in 27 additional seats.The party has won from Namthang-Rateypani, Chujachen, Yuksom Tashiding and Djongu constituencies.

Chief Minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) candidate Prem Singh Tamang is currently leading by approximately 6,443 votes over his closest SDF competitor, Som Nath Poudyal, in the Rhenock assembly constituency.Similarly, in the Soreng Chakung Assembly constituency, Tamang maintains a lead of 2,052 votes over his nearest SDF rival, A D Subba.Former CM and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) supremo, Pawan Kumar Chamling, finds himself trailing behind SKM candidate Raju Basnet by 1,852 votes in the Namcheybung seat.Similarly, in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency, Chamling is lagging behind Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM by 2,728 votes.

As the counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly Elections is currently underway, here is the vote share of the parties shared by the Election Commission of India: 

In the Upper Burtuk Assembly constituency, Sikkim BJP unit president Dilli Ram Thapa is currently trailing behind his SKM rival, Kala Rai, by a margin of 1,543 votes.

Bhaichung Bhutia, former India Football captain and SDF candidate, is currently behind his SKM rival Riksal Dorjee Bhutia by 2,872 votes in the Barfung Assembly seat.

In the Namcheybung seat, former Chief Minister and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader Pawan Kumar Chamling is behind SKM candidate Raju Basnet by 546 votes. In the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency, Chamling is trailing Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM by 1,057 votes.

Chief Minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) candidate, Prem Singh Tamang, is currently leading by approximately 4,830 votes over his closest rival from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), Som Nath Poudyal, in the Rhenock assembly constituency. Similarly, in the Soreng Chakung Assembly constituency, Tamang holds a lead of 2,052 votes over his nearest SDF competitor, A. D. Subba.

Sonam Lama, a nominee of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and State Minister, secured an initial lead of 98 votes over his closest BJP rival, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, in the Sangha constituency.In Chujachen, Puran Kumar Gurung of the SKM surged ahead by 667 votes over Mani Kumar Gurung from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, another SKM candidate, led by 1,053 votes over BJP's Pema Aanchal Rinzing in Gangtok.G T Dhungel, representing SKM, maintained a lead of 1,267 votes over SDF's Chandra Bahadur Chettri in Upper Tadong.

Former Sikkim CM and SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling is trailing behind SKM candidate Raju Basnet by 546 votes in the Namcheybung assembly constituency. 

Sikkim Chief Minister and SKM candidate Prem Singh Tamang is leading by around 1,400 votes over SDF rival Som Nath Poudyal from the Rhenock assembly constituency. 

Supporters and workers of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) gather at the Zila Panchayat office in Mangan district as the vote counting for the Sikkim Assembly elections progresses. The early leads on Sunday indicate that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading in 28 of the 32 seats in the state. Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is leading in 2 seats. #WATCH | Sikkim: Supporters and workers of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) gather at the Zila Panchayat office in Mangan district as the counting of votes is underway for the Sikkim Assembly electionsRuling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) crossed the halfway mark; leading on 28… pic.twitter.com/f70rfX48Zw— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

As the counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly Elections is underway, state SP Mangan Sonam D Bhutia says, "The counting of votes for Assembly seats began at 6 am. As per our inputs, there will be no violence. Forces have been deployed in vulnerable areas. The situation is under control."#WATCH | Sikkim: SP Mangan Sonam D Bhutia says, "The counting of votes for Assembly seats began at 6 am. As per our inputs, there will be no violence. Forces have been deployed in vulnerable areas. The situation is under control."As per ECI, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is… pic.twitter.com/t0wVjGB2Nb— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

The early leads on Sunday indicate that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading in 28 of the 32 seats in the state. Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is leading in 2 seats. 

The early leads on Sunday indicate that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading in 27 of the 32 seats in the state. Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) is leading in 2 seats. 

The ruling SKM exudes confidence in securing a consecutive re-election, citing its hold on all 32 Assembly seats.Party spokesperson Bikash Bashet asserts, "We anticipate victory across the board. Our stronghold in all 32 constituencies, coupled with resounding support reported by party cadres, solidifies our stance. SKM cadres are brimming with confidence and anticipation, eagerly preparing to commemorate our success in a jubilant victory rally."

The counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly is currently underway. These are visuals emerging from a counting centre in the Soreng district.#WATCH | Sikkim: Counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly is underway; visuals from a counting centre in the Soreng districtAs per ECI, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading on 7 seats. The majority mark in the Sikkim Assembly is 17 out of 32 Assembly seats. pic.twitter.com/DYQ4dESoBI— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

According to the latest numbers, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is leading in 22 of 32 seats in the state. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling's Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leads from 2 seats. 

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is currently leading in 17 of the 32 seats in the state.

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is currently leading in 16 of the 32 seats in the state. While chief minister Prem Singh Tamang's wife Krishna Kumari Rai is ahead in Namchi-Singhithang, SKM's Puran Kr. Gurung is leading in Chujachen. 

In 1890, the Anglo-Chinese Convention established Sikkim as a protectorate of the British Government, without consulting the people of Sikkim. Following this, the Indo-Sikkim Treaty of 1950 transitioned Sikkim into a protectorate of the Indian Government while ostensibly preserving its autonomy. Under the terms of this treaty, the Sikkim Legislative Assembly was to comprise 17 members, with five nominated by the Maharaja in 1952.However, by the early 1970s, discontent brewed in Sikkim, culminating in violent protests demanding a more democratic constitution and greater powers for elected representatives. The ensuing turmoil prompted an agreement on May 8, 1973, involving the Indian government, the Chogyal (Maharaja), and political representatives from Sikkim, marking the principality's initial steps towards democracy.In April 1975, the Sikkim Assembly took a decisive turn by abolishing the Chogyal institution and declaring Sikkim as an integral part of India. Concurrently, the Indian government introduced the 36th Amendment to the Constitution, formally incorporating Sikkim as a state within the Indian Union.