1. SDF candidate Prem Bahadur Bhandari withdrew his nomination for the Soreng Chakung by-election.
2. Bhandari also resigned from the SDF, citing insufficient support from the party.
3. SKM’s Aditya Golay remains uncontested for the November 13 polls.


Gangtok, Oct 29: Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidate Prem Bahadur Bhandari has withdrawn his nomination from the Soreng Chakung constituency by-election, leaving Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s (SKM) Aditya Golay uncontested for the November 13 polls.

In addition to stepping down from the race, Bhandari resigned from his primary membership in the SDF, citing a lack of support from the party and its president, Pawan Kumar Chamling.

“After receiving the ticket, I was abandoned by the party, and the President, instead of supporting my campaign, was away at an award function in Nepal,” Bhandari alleged.


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“Attempts to contact the party leadership went unanswered as many either had their phones switched off or were out of reach.”

Bhandari expressed concern for the well-being of Soreng Chakung, stating, “As a native son of Soreng with family ties here, I cannot act against the wishes of the people. I withdrew to preserve harmony and unity in my community.”

He criticized the SDF for its lack of organization and leadership, declaring the party’s presence “non-existent” in Soreng and urging locals to abandon support for the SDF.

Regarding his future in politics, Bhandari hinted at possibly aligning with SKM or any party that prioritizes the development of Soreng and its residents.