AMN/ WEB DESK
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has returned to power in Arunachal Pradesh, while the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has secured another term in Sikkim. Counting of votes for Assembly elections in the two Norther-Eastern states was held today. Polling for the 60 seats in Arunachal Pradesh and for 32 seats in Sikkim was held on 19th of April, simultaneously with the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.
In Arunchal Pradesh, BJP had already secured victory in 10 seats unopposed in the state assembly polls. Prominent faces among them are Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. In the results declared today for the remaining 50 seats, BJP has bagged 36, National People’s Party five, Nationalist Congress Party and Independents three each, People’s Party of Arunachal two, while Indian National Congress clinched one seat. Some of the prominent winners from BJP are former Union Minister Ninong Ering, party leaders Dr. Mahesh Chai, Tai Nikio, Homchun Ngamdam, Wangling Lowangdong, Tsering Lamu and Chakat Aboh.
However, the BJP also witnessed a few setback. In Doimukh Assembly seat, People’s Party of Arunchal candidate Nabam Vivek defeated sitting BJP MLA Tana Hali Tara. Similarly, at Mebo constituency where BJP candidate and sitting MLA had lost to People’s Party of Arunchal candidate Oken Tayeng.
In Sikkim, out of the results declared for all 32 seats, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has won 31 seats. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) managed to bag only one seat.
Incumbent State Chief Minister and SKM President Prem Singh Tamang has won from both Rhenock and Soreng Chakung Constituencies. SKM candidate and State Assembly Speaker Arun Kumar Upretti won from Arithang seat. SDF candidate Tenzing Norbu Lamtha registered win over Kunga Nima Lepcha of SKM from Shyari constituency. However, former Chief Minister and SDF President Pawan Kumar Chamling lost from both Poklok Kamrang and Namcheybung seats.
The terms of the two assemblies in the north-eastern states are ending today.