Sikkim assembly election 2024 result: SKM eyes landslide victory with 31 seats. Know all about founder Prem Singh Tamang here

In the northeastern state of India where the assembly polls were conducted for 32 seats, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha is leading on 31 assembly seats while the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) was ahead in one constituency, according to official data provided by Election Commission of India. Counting of votes for 32 assembly seats in Sikkim started at 6 am on Sunday, amid tight security arrangements, officials said.

Chief Minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) candidate Prem Singh Tamang was leading by around 6,443 votes over his nearest SDF rival Som Nath Poudyal from the Rhenock assembly constituency, while in the Soreng Chakung Assembly constituency Tamang is leading by 2,052 votes over his nearest SDF rival A D Subba.

Read More: Sikkim Elections Winners Losers List: SKM leading in 31 Assembly seats


Who is Prem Singh Tamang?
The incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also known as P. S. Golay was born on February 10, 1968, in Soreng, West Sikkim. The founder started his career as a government employee and later became involved in politics. In 1993, he founded the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) political party.

In multiple assembly polls, Tamang was appointed to Sikkim Legislative since 1994.

The founder was able to clinch the seat from Pawan Chamling of the SDF, who holds the record as the country's longest-serving chief minister, having secured five consecutive terms spanning just over 24 years.

In his long political career, Tamang was jailed for misappropriating Rs 9.5 lakh in government funds related to a cow distribution scheme. The scam occurred between 1994 and 1999 when he was the minister of animal husbandry. He was released from prison on August 10, 2018.

Read More: Arunachal Pradesh Election Results 2024: BJP crosses majority mark

Key candidates trailing in Sikkim
Former CM and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) supremo Pawan Kumar Chamling was trailing behind SKM candidate Raju Basnet by 1,852 votes in Namcheybung seat. In the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency Chamling was trailing behind Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM by 2,728 votes.

Former India Football captain and SDF candidate Bhaichung Bhutia was trailing behind SKM rival Riksal Dorjee Bhutia by 4,346, votes in the Barfung Assembly seat.

Sikkim BJP unit president Dilli Ram Thapa was trailing behind his SKM rival Kala Rai by 2,312 votes in the Upper Burtuk Assembly constituency.

While in another northeaster state, Arunachal Pradesh, the ruling BJP was leading in 33 assembly seats while the National People's Party (NPEP) was ahead in six constituencies, according to the Election Commission of India. Counting of votes for 50 assembly seats in the northeastern state began at 6 am on Sunday.

(with agency inputs)