Sikkim assembly polls 2024: Founding member of SDF Girish Rai join BJP

GANGTOK: During a joining ceremony held on March 13, former Sikkim minister Girish Rai and ex-MLA Ugen Nedup Bhutia officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant shift in their political affiliations.

Dr Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, BJP's state in-charge, extended a warm welcome to Rai, Bhutia, and several other social workers who also chose to align themselves with the BJP.

Girish Chandra Rai, a founding member of the SDF, tendered his resignation from the party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Sikkim.

However, the specific reasons behind his decision to step down remain undisclosed.

Also read: SDF calls for President’s Rule in Sikkim amidst political violence concerns

In his resignation letter, Rai expressed his gratitude for the opportunities and responsibilities entrusted to him during his tenure with the SDF.

While he did not elaborate on the factors motivating his departure, Rai acknowledged the valuable experiences gained while serving the party in various capacities.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) announced its initial list of six candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections on Monday, indicating the commencement of the electoral process in the state.