Northeast Desk, 7th January: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Sikkim has revealed Dorjee Tshering Lepcha as its Rajya Sabha candidate. A prominent political figure, Lepcha previously served as a member of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, representing the Gnathang Machong constituency in both 2014 and 2019. Originally affiliated with the Sikkim Democratic Front, he later joined the BJP, contributing to a notable political shift in the state.
During his tenure with the Sikkim Democratic Front, Lepcha held the position of Minister of Sikkim Public Works (Buildings & Housing) and Transport in Pawan Chamling’s fifth ministry from 2014 to 2019. His transition to the BJP was part of a strategic move that saw ten Sikkim Democratic Front MLAs joining the BJP, elevating it to the main opposition party in Sikkim.
Notably, Sikkim elects only one seat to the Rajya Sabha, indirectly chosen by state legislators. The current term of the existing Rajya Sabha member from Sikkim is expected to conclude in May 2024, aligning with the tenure of the current Lok Sabha Member of Parliament for Sikkim, Indra Hang Subba, in office since 2019.
The BJP’s selection of Dorjee Tshering Lepcha underscores its commitment to consolidating its presence in Sikkim, reflecting the evolving political landscape in the northeastern state.
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