Hekani Jakhlu and Salhoutuonuo Kruse became the first women legislators from Nagaland.

Who is Hekani Jakhlu?

Hekani Jakhlu, a Delhi University graduate and US-educated lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur, has won the Dimapur-III seat as part of BJP’s ally NDPP. His manifesto focused on youth development, women empowerment, minority rights and creating a model constituency.

Jakhlu has received the Nari Shakti Puraskar for her commitment to promoting gender equality. He founded Youthnet, an organization dedicated to empowering young people in the region.

Who is Salhoutuonuo Krause?

Salhoutuonuo Krause, also the NDPP candidate, is a local hotel owner. He has contested against independent Kenizhakho Nakhro.

For the past few weeks, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had campaigned extensively for the crucifixion.

While women have contested elections in Nagaland, they have rarely come to power. In 1977, Rano M Shaiza was the only woman elected to the Lok Sabha, and it was not until 2022 that S Phangnon became the first woman to hold a seat in the Konyak Upper House.

Congress’ Jakhlu, Kruse, Rosie Thomson and BJP’s Kahuli Sema are among the four women candidates contesting the elections this year.

NDPP-BJP alliance won five seats

The Election Commission of India has said that the ruling NDPP-BJP alliance has won five seats in the Nagaland Assembly elections and is leading in 34 seats.

BJP candidate Kazheto Kinimi has won unopposed from Akuluto seat, while BJP candidate P Bashangmongba Chang has won Tuensang Sadar-1 seat and NDPP candidate S Keoshu Yimchunger from Shamtoor Chessor assembly seat in Nagaland, the Election Commission said.

The Republican Party of India (Athawale), which contested the Nagaland Assembly elections for the first time, won two seats – Tuensang Sadar II seat and Noksen constituency.

The counting of votes for Nagaland’s 59 assembly seats began at 8 a.m. with postal ballots followed by EVMs.