Gangtok, March 25: The main opposition party in Sikkim- Sikkim Democratic Front that ruled the state for decades and continues to be headed by its former chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has on Monday announced its first list of 26 candidates for the state assembly elections slated for April 19th.

Former Indian football captain and international star Bhaichung Bhutia together with Chamling have been named in the first list that also includes 11 former SDF legislators.

Bhaichung Bhutia had joined the SDF in November, last year, and has been given the party ticket in his native Barfung constituency.

Former 2-time Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim Prem Das Rai has once again been named the party candidate for the lone MP seat in the state.

The SDF chief and former Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling will be contesting from Poklok Kamrang constituency- a seat he won alongside Namchi Singhithang but relinquished for by elections in 2019. His party has now given the ticket for Namchi Singhithang constituency to Bimal Rai.

The opposition party has also rewarded a rebel legislator from their arch-rivals Sikkim Krantikari Morcha. The SKM’s rebel legislator Mani Kumar Sharma has been given the SDF ticket from his home constituency in Singtam Khamdong.

The Former Gangtok Municipal Commissioner Ashish Rai, who was denied a ticket in the 2019 assembly polls and had returned to the party last year, has been given the ticket for the coveted Arithang constituency.

Read: Son dropped from Sikkim candidates list for assembly polls, CM to contest dual seats

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