GANGTOK,: A day after taking oath in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Krishna Kumari Rai has resigned as the MLA from Namchi-Singithang constituency under Namchi district.
The SLA Speaker has accepted the resignation of Krishna Kumari Rai, the spouse of Chief Minister PS Golay, which now leaves Namchi-Singithang Assembly seat vacant, effective from June 13.
Bye-elections will be held for Namchi-Singithang in coming days along with one of the two constituencies that the Chief Minister would vacate. Golay had been elected from Rhenock and Soreng-Chakung constituencies.
As a SKM candidate, Krishna Kumari Rai had registered a comprehensive victory from Namchi-Singithang defeating her nearest rival by a margin of 5,302 votes in the recent Assembly elections.
Chief Minister PS Golay also informed the people through his social media page about Krishna Kumari Rai’s resignation as the MLA, mentioning that she has vacated her seat in alignment with the unanimous decision of the party, prioritizing its welfare and objectives.
“It is important to note that, at the request of the parliamentary committee of the SKM party, she contested in the elections for the welfare of our party. On behalf of our party, as president, I express my sincere gratitude to her for her dedication and unwavering support.
The party committee is committed to providing opportunities to genuine and dedicated party functionaries.”
“To the residents of the Namchi-Singithang constituency, I assure you that you will continue to have a dedicated and genuine MLA who will serve your interests. Madam Krishna Rai and I will remain deeply involved in addressing your needs, ensuring that the constituency benefits from the care and attention of three representatives: the new candidate, Madam Krishna Rai, and myself,” said the Chief Minister in his message.
Golay urged the Namchi-Singithang residents not to be disheartened. Please continue to have confidence in the leadership of the SKM party, as well as in my personal care and concern for the people of the Namchi-Singithang constituency, he said.
When contacted, SKM spokesperson Bikash Basnet also confirmed the Namchi-Singithang legislator’s resignation as the area MLA.
Basnet expressed that Krishna Kumari Rai was fielded by the SKM to secure victory for the party in Namchi-Singithang constituency considering that she was doing social work there for a long time.
It was informed that Krishna Kumari Rai, having resigned as the MLA, would continue with her social work in Namchi-Singhithang besides getting more time for other important engagements as the spouse of the Chief Minister and her spiritual engagements.
The resignation, considering all these aspects, was a mutual decision between the Chief Minister, the SKM party and Krishna Kumari Rai, and it was not a surprising decision, informed Basnet.
Asked if the Namchi-Singithang SKM workers would be disappointed, Basnet said the party is already giving messages to the party cadre there. He mentioned that Krishna Kumari Rai had also spoken about this possibility to the Namchi-Singithang SKM workers at many occasions.
It would be difficult to fill the gap left by her but we will give a good worker from the party at Namchi-Singithang, said the SKM spokesperson, adding that the Chief Minister and Krishna Kumari Rai would continue their work for the people there like before.