Sikkim polls: Pawan Chamling, India's longest-serving CM, eyes 6th term

The SDF govt has been vehemently criticised over the influx of refugees into Sikkim

Gangtok voters mini Thomas Voters outside a polling station in Gangtok, Sikkim | Mini Thomas

Mandira Chettri, who runs an Airbnb home in Gangtok, went all the way to her village in Namcheybong to vote. ''I came on my Scooty. It was a one-hour ride,'' said the 32-year-old with a smile.

People pin their hopes on political leaders, says Chettri. ''We need able leaders who care for Sikkim and can protect 371F,'' she says. Article 371F of the Constitution provides special rights to Sikkim, such as continuation of laws that existed before the state's merger into the Union of India.

The battle between the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front and the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has intensified as Sikkim votes in assembly and Lok Sabha polls on Thursday.

Gangtok Sikkim Mini Thomas Representational image of Gangtok | Mini Thomas

Pawan Kumar Chamling, who has been the chief minister of Sikkim for the last 25 years, is seeking his sixth straight term now. Chettri has high regard for Chamling. ''I'm very proud of our CM and what he has done for the state,'' she says. Interestingly, Chamling has been the longest-serving chief minister of any Indian state post independence.

Chamling had unleashed verbal attacks against Prem Singh Tamang, SKM's chief ministerial candidate, and questioned his candidature. Tamang, better known as P. S. Golay, served a one-year jail term during 2017-2018 over corruption charges. Golay can contest only after August 10, 2024, when he completes six years after being released from prison, Chamling said.

Meanwhile, the SDF government has been vehemently criticised over the influx of refugees into Sikkim. Baichung Bhutia, working president of Hamro Sikkim Party(HSP), is contesting in two assembly seats.

Around 4 lakh people are expected to caste their votes on Thursday to elect a 32-member Legislative Assembly and a member of Parliament. The polling will be held from 7am to 5pm across 567 polling stations.