Gangtok: In a rare show of strength for a candidate who was denied a poll ticket and against the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), supporters of Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) chairman Ashish Rai took out a massive protest rally in Arithang constituency on Saturday.
This was after the SDF’s office in Gangtok was vandalised by Rai’s supporters during a press conference organised by the party on Friday to announce the final list of 15 candidates for the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections on April 11.
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Speaking with EastMojo, Rai said: “As of now, even I am shocked the way public turned out and gave their support today. I just want to thank all those who were there present for the rally.” Rai said he will now discuss the matter with his seniors and supporters to take a final decision.
For now, Rai has decided to contest the elections as an inpendendent candidate.
Commenting on the basic things that the Arithang constituency lacks in respect to development, among others, and on the issues that he’ll act on, Rai said: “If I talk about road, we have good roads. The only demand here was to have a school, which the government has already sanctioned and the work is under process. If I win this time and if I am back, I have lot of plans and my own programmes and I’ll let you know once I am there.
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The last date of filing nominations in Sikkim is March 25. “As per the norms, I need to resign. I will resign from my present post as chairman of Gangtok Municipal Corporation and also as Constituency Level Committee president of Arithang constituency and youth in-charge of SDF,” he added.
