Gangtok, March 30: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday filed nominations for six candidates on the final day for the upcoming civic body elections in Sikkim.

In the Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Srijana Chettri filed nomination from the Diesel Power House ward. In Singtam Nagar Panchayat, Pempo Dorjee Lepcha submitted papers from Tadong ward, while Rajani Singh Cintury filed from Pipal Dara ward.

In Rangpo Nagar Panchayat under Pakyong district, Bhopal Baraily filed nomination from Mandi Bazar ward. In Namchi district, Sangay Bhutia filed from Upper Ghurpisey ward in Namchi Municipal Council, and Naren Subba from Dara Bazar ward in Soreng Nagar Panchayat.

State BJP president DR Thapa said the party is prepared to contest the elections and expressed confidence in its candidates. He also stated that the limited number of candidates was due to challenges arising from the new reservation structure, adding that none of the candidates would withdraw.

Elections for 63 wards across urban local bodies in Sikkim are scheduled for April 24, with counting set for April 25.

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has fielded candidates in all 63 wards. Meanwhile, the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and Citizen Action Party (CAP) have announced a boycott of the elections, citing concerns over seat reservations and alleging a partisan process.

According to SDF, the reservation structure does not reflect local demographic patterns, including instances where areas with a higher population of Other Backward Classes have been assigned to other categories.

Scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for April 2, while the last date for withdrawal is April 4.