Sikkim Chief Minister’s Wife Resigns as MLA a Day After Taking Oath

Gangtok: In a surprising move, Krishna Kumari Rai, the wife of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, resigned from her position as MLA of Namchi Singhithang just a day after being sworn in. Rai, a first-time legislator, won her seat in the recent elections where the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) secured 31 out of 32 Assembly seats and the sole Lok Sabha constituency.

Reasons for Resignation

In her resignation letter, Rai explained that she contested the election to honor the party’s decision but did not intend to enter politics so soon. “I have always viewed politics as a social activity, and the reason I entered the election was because I had to honor the decisions made by the parliamentary board and Party President,” she wrote. Rai emphasized that she believes in serving the people without holding an official position and assured her constituents of continued support.

Official Response

Newly elected Speaker Mingma Norbu Sherpa accepted her resignation. Chief Minister Tamang supported her decision, stating it aligned with the party’s unanimous choice and prioritized its welfare and objectives. “She contested the election at the request of the parliamentary committee,” Tamang said. He assured residents of Namchi Singhithang of focused attention and care from three representatives: the new candidate, Rai, and himself.

Election Results and Impact

Rai won the Namchi Singhithang seat with a margin of 5,302 votes, securing 71.6% of the votes polled, second only to Tamang, who received 72.18% of the votes in Soreng-Chakung. Tamang is currently in Arunachal Pradesh for the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Future Plans

Rai’s resignation highlights her dedication to the party’s goals and her preference for contributing from behind the scenes. The SKM leadership’s swift acceptance of her resignation and commitment to finding a dedicated new candidate underscore their strategic planning and adaptability. Tamang assured that the constituency would benefit from the care and attention of the new candidate, Rai, and himself, urging continued confidence in the SKM leadership.