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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally marked its debut in State elections as both the BJP candidates from Martam-Rumtek and Gangtok constituencies won in the by-poll results declared todays.
The SKM-backed BJP candidate Sonam Tshering Venchungpa polled 8,204 (65.47 percent) of the votes and defeated SDF candidate Nuk Tshering Bhutia by a margin of 6,150 votes in Martam-Rumtek. Bhutia secured 2,054 votes followed by Nima Lepcha of Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) placed third with 1,235 votes.
“I am happy for myself, for SKM-BJP alliance and for the supporters of my constituency for accepting me as their candidate and for electing me as their MLA. There is lack of basic amenities in my area which I will be my primary focus as the area MLA,” said Venchungpa amid celebration by supporters of both BJP and SKM outside the counting centre at East DAC, Sichey here.
Venchugpa had last oppose as SKM candidate from a similar seat and lost to sitting minister and SDF candidate D.T. Lepcha by a slim margin within the Assembly elections.
A total of 6 candidates including two independents – Passang Sherpa and Mechung Bhutia were in fray.
In the capital Gangtok seat, where around 52 percent voting took place on October 21, BJP candidate Y.T. Lepcha emerged victorious by bagging 2,508 (40.88 percent) votes.
Lepcha defeated his nearest rival SNPP candidate Delay Namgyal Barfungpa by 1,010 votes.
Barfungpa polled 1,498 votes while SDF candidate Rinzing Ongmu Bhutia got 874 votes. Indian football icon and HSP working president Bhaichung Bhutia got 579 votes.
An emotional Y.T. Lepcha in tears said his long struggle finally paid off. “I have struggled really hard and the public of Gangtok have given me justice. I am highly indebted to them. Now nothing can stop me from making Sikkim a corruption free land. I will be with my people until my last breath and provide them my service,” he said.