Sikkim's SKM to field CM's son Aditya Golay, Satish Chandra Rai from two constituencies in upcoming bypolls

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party has announced former MLA Aditya Golay and Satish Chandra Rai as candidates for the upcoming bypolls in two constituencies, on November 13. 
 

Aditya Golay, who is CM Tamang's son has served as the MLA from Soreng Chakung constituency from 2019-2024, however, he was denied a party ticket in the 2024 general elections. 
 

CM Tamang had emerged victorious in the general polls with the highest vote count, but had to vacate the seat as he had won from Rhenock constituency which he had decided to represent till 2029. 
 

Similarly, CM Golay's wife, Krishna Kumari Rai had won from Namchi Singhithang constituency but relinquished the MLA designation, a day after swearing in as legislator, earlier this year. 
 

The vacated seat will now be contested by her close aid and senior party representative Satish Chandra Rai. 
 

The announcement was made by SKM party spokesperson Jacob Khaling via a press conference from the party office, in Gangtok on October 20. 
 

On Krishna Kumari Rai vacating the Namchi Singhithang constituency, Khaling informed that the decision was made long before the election results were declared.
 

"When she was filing her nomination during the general elections, she had declared then that for the strengthening of the party she was contesting the elections. But after winning she would resign, and support the party's candidate to win and represent Namchi Singhithang. She worked very hard to ensure SKM's landslide victory. She vacated the seat as an example for other party cadres to contest. We are always thankful to Krishna Kumari Rai for her selfless act", he said. 
 

Satish Chandra Rai is an experienced politician who has been working as the Chairman in government departments for over 10 years including the SKM government of 2019.
 

"His victory is certain from the constituency. Every constituency has 4-5 projected candidates for elections, but only one is selected. Having taken all possibilities into account, the parliamentary board has come to decision on the candidates. Apart from Satish Chandra Rai, the name of Ganesh Rai had also been floated, having previously unsuccessfully contested in elections. He is a senior leader in the party and has given a big responsibility in the party", said Khaling.
 

Moreover, the SKM urged party cadres to avoid infighting after declaration of party candidates. "Soreng Chakung nor Namchi Singhithang no controversies about candidates, everyone is united in the decision. Some may expect a party ticket, but as a party worker, the party's decision stands superior and we must all abide by it. Not to benefit or harm anyone, but for the betterment of constituencies. There are over 10,000 votes from the two constituencies, the party cadres must ensure the voting percentage should exceed 95 percent". 
 

Namchi Singhithang was once a stronghold of former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling, to which SKM party spokesperson Khaling asserted, "that is in the past now". 
 

"If you take the 2024 general elections, SKM won in Namchi Singhithang with Krishna Kumari Rai securing the second highest votes there. Similarly, in Soreng constituency, the chief minister himself had won with the highest voter count for SKM in the State from his home constituency. There is no pressure from the opposition parties who are themselves under an identity crisis after losing in 2024 elections". 
 

Meanwhile, SKM had maintained that the Junior Golay had no interest in politics in 2019. "But to ensure victory then, people also supported the decision. He served well as MLA for people for the past five years and as a representative for the youth of the state. This was people's demand and party demand once again. He should be given a chance to work his youthful guidance," he said. 
 

On the decision for Aditya Golay to not contest in the general elections earlier this year, Khaling answered, "To ensure victory in the general elections, the party and parliamentary board made that decision".  
 

SKM will initiate the nomination process for the elections from October 21. 
 

The SKM parliamentary board has decided and laid out the chief minister's visit for campaigning in these constituencies. 
 

The Model Code of Conduct has been imposed in two districts but not in the other four districts.