After a high-decibel campaign marked by sharp political attacks and promises of development as well as jobs, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) seek to retain power in the state.
Read also: Will Nagaland create history and elect its first woman legislator this year since 1963?
BJP and NDPP are contesting on 20:40 seat-sharing arrangement, while Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Congress are contesting on 22 and 23 seats respectively.
The BJP in Nagaland has opened its account in the state ahead of the elections as party candidate Kazeto Kinimi won unopposed from the Akuluto seat after the Congress candidate withdrew her candidature. After the withdrawal of candidature by Khekashe Sumi, a total of 183 candidates will be in the fray in the Nagaland Assembly elections.
BJP, CPI (1), Congress (23), NCP (12), NPP (12), NDPP (40), NPF (22), RPP (1), JD(U) are the candidates who contested in the state elections. 20 candidates are included. ) (7), LJP (Ram Vilas) (15), RPI (Athawale) (9), RJD (3), and Independent (19).
Significantly, out of 183 candidates in the fray this time, only four are women. Since Nagaland got its statehood in 1963, it is yet to have a woman legislator in the 60-member house. It is not that women did not contest elections but they never came to power. The four women candidates contesting this year are Hekani Jakhlu of the NDPP, Rosie Thomson of the Congress, Salhoutuonuo Kruse of the NDPP and Kahuli Sema of the BJP.
Addressing an election meeting for NDPP candidate Salhoutuonuo Kruse in West Angami, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The time has come that we should not only talk about gender equality and women empowerment, but also give our women legislators the support of the country.” Give the responsibility of leading the destiny of State in the days to come.”
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also stressed the need for the people of the state to change their mindset that Naga women cannot be in decision-making bodies.
A total of 13,17,632 voters, of whom 6,61,489 are male voters, and 6,56,143 are female voters, will exercise their franchise to decide the fate of political parties and elect their representatives to the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Major constituencies and players:
The key constituencies are North Angami, which will determine the election fate of NDPP candidate and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio; Tiu Jahan BJP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton; Peren Jahan two-time chief minister TR Zeliang will contest as the NDPP candidate.
Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna will contest from Along Alongtaki seat. In the current government, he is also serving as the Minister of Higher and Technical Education. Only Janata Dal (United) has fielded its candidate J Lanu Longchar from this seat.
Ghasapani is another seat which is attracting all the attention. The BJP has fielded N Jacob Zhimomi and Akwi N Zhimomi is in the fray as the Congress candidate.
Phek is another constituency that will be closely watched in the election. NPF leader Kuzholujo Neenu will contest from this seat. While the NDPP has fielded Kupota Khesoh, the Congress has fielded Jasilhu Ringa Wadeo and S Akho Leri is the NPF candidate.
In Dimapur-III, where NDPP candidate Hekani Jakhlu is in the fray, the fledgling Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has given ticket to Ezheto Zhimomi from this seat.
Other major constituencies are Dimapur-I, Southern Angami I, Southern Angami I, Chojuba, Koridang, Koridang, Bhandari, Sanis, Zunheboto, Kohima, West Angami, Longleng and Siochung Sittimi.
NPF’s legislative leader, Kuzholuzo Nienu is another candidate to watch in the election. He is all set to contest from his home seat Phek.
High-voltage campaign by the BJP with various big leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Kiren Rijiju, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and others addressing public rallies seen. , NDPP campaigner and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was seen holding public meetings in almost all the assembly constituencies.
NPF leader Kuzholuzo Nienu has announced that he is ready for public rallies with other parties and candidates after the elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed an election rally in Dimapur while party MP Shashi Tharoor addressed a rally in Kohima. The Congress has also announced that they may opt for a post-poll alliance if required.
(with inputs from agencies)
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