Northeast Desk, 15th April: Sikkim witnessed a disturbing escalation in poll-related violence as miscreants targeted a vehicle associated with SDF Syari Constituency candidate Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, resulting in injuries to a party worker. The incident, occurring last evening, has heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing electoral campaign in the state.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the vehicle, utilized for official campaign activities by SDF party workers in Syari, fell victim to vandalism, amplifying concerns about the safety and security of campaigners amidst escalating tensions.
In response to the surge in political violence and alleged monetary inducements, the Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim has vehemently opposed such acts, calling for decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. LP Kafley, Chairman of CAP Sikkim’s election campaigning committee, expressed deep concern over the reported instances of violence and monetary influence, emphasizing the need for swift intervention by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of Sikkim.
During a press conference on April 11, Kafley highlighted the urgency for strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to prevent electoral malpractice and ensure fairness in the electoral arena. The CAP Sikkim leader underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates amidst growing apprehensions about the misuse of financial resources and the escalation of poll-related violence.
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