Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his party, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), have been accused by Bhaichung Bhutia, the leader of the main opposition party in Sikkim and a former captain of India’s football team, of getting fake voters from outside the state during the 2019 elections.
Bhutia, who was just named the Sikkim Democratic Front party’s vice president, asserted that he unintentionally helped “such fake voters for stay in Sikkim”.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the former footballer-turned-politician, said, “In 2019, when we (Hamro Sikkim Party) were supporting SKM, they brought voters from outside the state. The very first day when Golay (Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang) got out of jail, the gathering had many such fake voters”.

They are hiring voters from outside Sikkim this time as well, he said, alleging that 28,000 voters have increased.

“Many workers from pharmaceutical and other companies are migrating to Sikkim. We will guarantee a valid work permit,” he declared.

He claimed that although the Bhutia and Lepcha communities are shielded by tribal laws and certifications, the fake voters are having an impact on voters for general seats.

“We are impacted by the One Nation One Ration Card in Sikkim as well. They begin bringing families when they receive rations,” he stated.