SKM Triumphs In Sikkim, BJP Secures Stronghold In Arunachal Pradesh

In the recent Assembly elections in the Himalayan states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, both regions saw the re-election of the incumbent parties. The counting of votes concluded today, revealing significant political shifts in the two states.

In Arunachal Pradesh, ten BJP candidates secured their positions unopposed, leaving the counting process to cover 50 out of the 60 Assembly seats. The BJP emerged victorious, clinching 46 seats, while its ally, Conrad Sangma’s National People’s Party, secured five seats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their resounding support to the BJP, emphasizing their trust in the party’s development-focused agenda. Incumbent Chief Minister Pema Khandu attributed the victory to a decade of developmental efforts, backed by strong central support. He hailed Arunachal Pradesh as the “land of the rising sun” and interpreted the BJP’s triumph as indicative of Modi’s potential third term as Prime Minister.

In Sikkim, the incumbent Sikkim Krantikari Morcha reclaimed power by winning 31 out of 32 seats, leaving the Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front with just one seat. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang credited the victory to the dedicated work of party members and reiterated their commitment to serving the people of Sikkim. However, SDF leader Pawan Chamling, the country’s longest-serving Chief Minister, faced defeat in both seats he contested.

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In Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress secured one seat, the NCP three, and the People’s Party of Arunachal two seats. Additionally, three seats were won by Independent candidates. Notable figures elected unopposed include Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The 2019 assembly election saw a different landscape, with the Janata Dal (United), National People’s Party (NPP), Congress, and People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) securing seats, along with two Independent candidates.

In the 2019 elections, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha ended the 25-year reign of the Sikkim Democratic Front, despite the latter receiving more votes. Sikkim recorded a 79% turnout, while Arunachal Pradesh saw an 82.7% voter turnout. The counting for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim and Arunachal’s two seats is scheduled for June 4.