Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, the sole MLA from the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), has joined the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), citing overwhelming public support for the SKM and its leader, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. With this move, the SKM now holds all 32 seats in the Sikkim Assembly, effectively eliminating any opposition presence.
Lamtha, a first-time MLA from the Syari constituency, stated that he made this decision after consulting with his constituents, who expressed a strong preference for the SKM. He praised the SKM government's performance over the past five years, highlighting its developmental achievements and welfare initiatives that led to the party's landslide victory.
Chief Minister Tamang welcomed Lamtha to the SKM, expressing his pleasure and acknowledging the MLA's concerns for his constituency, which will be addressed under a comprehensive development plan. Lamtha had previously defeated senior SKM leader and Education Minister Kunga Nima Lepcha by 1,314 votes in the recent assembly polls.
Lamtha's decision to join the SKM had been anticipated since the election results were declared on June 2. His move underscores the dominant position of the SKM in Sikkim's political landscape, as the party now controls all seats in the state assembly.
