BJP Now Postures As A ‘Responsible Opposition'

After poaching 10 MLAs from the SDF, the BJP now postures as a ‘responsible opposition’

- Romita Datta

Sikkim’s political waters are set for churn. The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which so far wore the BJP ‘friendship’ band on its sleeve, with its lone MP supporting the NDA government at the Centre, is likely to face challenges from the party at the state level (it won 17 of the state’s 32 seats in the assembly election in May).

The BJP drew a blank then, but has now become the main opposition party following the defection of 10 MLAs of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF). BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav has asked the state unit to play the ‘constructive’ opposition role.