Guwahati: The scrutiny of the nomination of candidates for by election on November 13 in Sikkim was carried out on Monday both candidates of Citizen Action Party Sikkim were disqualified.
Sources in the Election department said that CAP Sikkim had fielded Mahesh Rai from Namchi-Singhithang and Pobin Hang Subba from Soreng-Chakung constituencies. Both the candidates were disqualified on grounds of ‘rejected due to a deficiency in the requisite number of proposers during the scrutiny process’
While Pobin Hang Subba was also disqualified on grounds of ‘incomplete affidavit’ submission.
CAP condemned the disqualification of its candidates as a ‘conspiracy’ stating, “This action is an assault on the essence of democracy and once again demonstrates the dictatorial tendencies of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party, showing their disregard for democratic values”.
CAP issued a press release where they accused, “The misguided leadership of SKM has resorted to unethical and unconstitutional measures, pressuring the Election Commission for its own interests to exclude genuine representatives of the people from the electoral process. It is evident that out of fear of impending defeat in the Namchi-Singhithang and Soreng-Chakung constituencies, SKM has left no stone unturned in its attempt to suppress the people’s voice and manipulate the democratic process”
Citizen Action Party-Sikkim further stated, “Our party will never accept such conspiracies. No amount of condemnation is enough for SKM’s dangerous attitude. The Citizen Action Party Sikkim is steadfast in its commitment to defending democracy and will stand in strong resistance alongside the people. The 50 years of democracy in Sikkim have culminated in this by-election, which has revealed the transitory nature of politics driven by fear and intimidation”.
CAP declared that it is “prepared to engage in a legal battle against this chaos and will continuously strive for the rights and interests of our people. Today stands as the darkest day for democratic Sikkim”, calling upon all Sikkimese to stand firm for democracy and to expose SKM’s authoritarian actions.
The disqualification of CAP candidates has led to a contest between the ruling SKM party and Sikkim Democratic Front’s candidates.
The nominations of Daniel Rai from SDF and Satish Chandra Rai from SKM contesting for Namchi-Singhithang constituency were accepted by the Returning Officer in Namchi. While the nominations of Aditya Golay (SKM) and Prem Bahadur Bhandari (SDF) contesting for Soreng Chakung constituency were also accepted by the Returning Officer in Soreng district.
The deadline for the withdrawal of candidacy stands till October 30.
