Northeast, 28th October: In a significant political development, Bina Basnett, the founder president of the Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP), has formally joined the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). The official joining ceremony took place in Gangtok in the presence of SDF leader and former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling. Notably, HSP president Bhaichung Bhutia was also present at the event.
Joining Bina Basnett in the move to the SDF were entrepreneur Robin Basnett and Nawang Tshering Lepcha, the Retired Principal Director of the Sikkim government’s Printing department. Bina Basnett is well-known in Sikkim for her roles as a social activist and politician, in addition to her profession as a physician.
It’s worth mentioning that Bhaichung Bhutia had previously announced his intention to join the SDF. However, Bhutia did not make the move during the recent ceremony, and it remains unclear whether the Hamro Sikkim Party will merge with the SDF.
This development is a notable boost for the SDF in preparation for the upcoming state elections, which are scheduled to take place next year alongside the Lok Sabha elections. Should Bhutia join the SDF and the HSP merge with Chamling’s party prior to the elections, it would provide a significant power boost to the SDF as they contend with the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).
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