NEW DELHI: Sikkim has done it again. For the sixth time, a party in the state is set for a landslide victory by winning over 30 of the 32 assembly seats. The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has won 31 seats and chief minister Prem Singh Tamang is set for another term.
In the past, there have been five instances where a single party has won 30 or more seats in the Sikkim assembly elections:
1.In 1989, the Sikkim Sangram Parishad, led by Nar Bahadur Bhandari, made history by winning all 32 seats in the state assembly.
2. Two decades later, in 2009, the Sikkim Democratic Front, led by Pawan Kumar Chamling, repeated this feat, securing all 32 seats.
3. Going back to the 1974 polls, the Sikkim National Congress, under the leadership of Kazi Lhendup Dorjee, won 31 seats, leading to Dorjee becoming the chief minister.
4. In 2004, Pawan Kumar Chamling’s Sikkim Democratic Front once again secured a landslide victory, winning 31 seats in the assembly.
5. The 1985 elections saw the Sikkim Sangram Parishad, with Nar Bahadur Bhandari at its helm, winning 30 seats, resulting in Bhandari becoming the chief minister.
These landslide victories can be attributed to various factors, such as the popularity of the party leaders, the effectiveness of their campaign strategies, and the trust placed in them by the electorate. Sikkim’s relatively small population and the close-knit nature of its communities may also contribute to the overwhelming support for a single party during elections.
The 2023 victory of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, demonstrates the continuation of this trend in Sikkim’s politics. The SKM’s success can be seen as a reflection of the party’s ability to connect with the people and address their concerns effectively.
As Sikkim continues to witness such landslide victories, it is essential for the ruling party to focus on good governance, inclusive development, and the well-being of all citizens. The opposition, despite its limited presence in the assembly, must play a constructive role in holding the government accountable and ensuring that the interests of the people are protected.