The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) clarified its position on Wednesday regarding the recent withdrawal of Supreme Court petitions challenging the Election Commission’s 2019 decision to reduce Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang’s disqualification period from six years to one year. The party stressed that the withdrawals were made solely by the petitioners in their personal capacities and without the party’s authorisation.
“The SDF Party was unaware of the withdrawal applications, which were filed entirely at the personal discretion of the petitioners,” said Dev Gurung, SDF Vice President for Administrative and Legal Affairs, in a statement. Gurung further asserted that the party had neither passed any resolution to withdraw the petitions nor authorised any party member to undertake such action.
The petitions, initially filed by SDF members Bimal Dawari Sharma and J.B. Darnal, questioned the legality of Tamang’s appointment as Chief Minister despite his previous disqualification following a corruption conviction. In 2019, the Election Commission reduced Tamang’s disqualification period, enabling him to contest elections and assume office after his Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party’s electoral victory.
While Dawari Sharma has since resigned from the SDF, Darnal remains a vice president within the party. The SDF criticised Darnal’s unilateral decision to withdraw the petition, describing it as an “anti-party activity” and confirming that “appropriate action will be taken against him.”
Tamang’s disqualification had initially stemmed from a one-year jail sentence in a corruption case, barring him from contesting elections until August 2024. However, the Election Commission’s decision in September 2019 shortened this period, paving the way for him to contest elections and lead the SKM to power.
The Supreme Court approved the withdrawal of the petitions on November 26. Meanwhile, another petition addressing the same issue reportedly remains pending before the apex court. SKM leaders have yet to comment on the matter.
