Nagaland is all set for the Assembly Elections 2023 with major parties already announcing their candidates.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
As the February 27 elections to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) gets momentum with some of the former members being dropped, this NLA election would also witness many fresh faces including three women in the fray–two from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and one from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
The two women first timers of the NLA election contesting with NDPP tickets are former Youthnet founder member Hekani Jakhalu, to contest under 3 Dimapur-III constituency, and Salhoutuonuo Kruse, under 8 Western Angami, A/C.
The lone BJP woman candidate fielded is Kahuli from the Atoizu A/C.
In the 20:40 seat sharing deal with the NDPP, the BJP has three seats in Mon district, Tuensang (2), Longleng (1), Kiphire (1), Noklak (1), Mokokchung (3), Zunheboto (3), Dimapur (2), Wokha (3), Kohima (1), while there is no BJP candidate fielded from Phek district.
The 20 BJP candidates from their respective constituencies included Y Patton (Tyui), Jacob Zhimomi (Ghaspani-I), Kashiho Sangtam, (Seyochung/Sitimi), Temjen Imna Along Lkr (Alongtaki), Paiwang Konyak (Tizit), Khehovi Yepthomi (Suruhoto), Mmhhonlumo Kikon (Bhandari), Tovihoto Ayemi (Dimapur-I), Kazheto Kinimi (Akuluto), Er Cheong Konyak (Mon Town), Er Kropol (Southern Angami-2),
Er Mrs Kahuli (Atoizu), Konngam Konyak ( Phomching), Renponthung Ezung (Wokha Town), Changsang Chang (Tuensang Sadar-1), Imkong L Imchen (Koridang), Pangshi Phom (Longleng), Pangjung Jamir (Tuli), Sethrongkhyu Sangtam (Longkhim-Chare), and H Haying (Noklak).
The announcement was made by the Central Election Committee (CEC) of the BJP on Thursday led by its National Secretary, spokesperson, Rituraj Sinha, and Nalin Kohli, respectively declaring the candidates for the Nagaland NLA polls on February 27 along with Meghalaya.
NDPP announces list of its 40 candidates for 2023 NLA election
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) that holds the majority of seats sharing in the 40:20 formula with the BJP on Thursday has also announced the names of its official candidates to contest in the ensuing 14th 60-member NLA general elections due on February 27.
According to NDPP president, Chingwang Konyak, the official 40 NDPP candidates included Moatoshi Longkumer (2 Dimapur-II), Hekani Jakhalu (3 Dimapur-III), Zhaleo Rio (5 Ghaspani-II), Tarie Zeliang (6 Tening), TR Zeliang (7 Peren), Salhoutuonuo Kruse (8 Western Angami), Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire (9 Kohima Town), Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome (10 Northern Angami-I), Neiphiu Rio (11 Northern Angami-II), R Khing (12 Tseminyu), Vikheho Swu (13 Pughoboto), Medo Yhokha (14 Southern Angami-I), Neiba Kruno (16 Pfutsero), KG Kenye (17 Chizami), Kudecho Khamo (18 Chozuba), Kupota Khesoh (19 Phek), Z Nyusietho Nyuthe (20 Meluri), Imnatiba (22 Arkakong), TN Manen (23 Impur), Tongpang Ozukum (24 Angetyongpang), Imkongmar (25 Mongya), Sharingain Longkumer (26 Aonglenden), Metsubo Jamir (27 Mokokchung Town), Temjenmenba (29 Jangpetkong), Pukhavi Sumi (34 Aghunato), KT Sukhalu (35 Zunheboto), G Kaito Aye (36 Sataka), Mhathung Yanthan (39 Sanis), W Chingang Konyak (42 Wakching), Noke Wangnao (43 Tapi), CL John (45 Tehok), Eshak Konyak (47 Aboi), EE Pangteang (48 Moka), BS Nganglang Phom (49 Tamlu), H Chuba Chang (51 Noksen), K Odibendang Chang (54 Tuensang Sadar-II), N Bongkhao Konyak (55 Tobu), S Heno Khiamniungan (57 Thonoknyu), S Keoshu Yimchunger (58 Shamator-Chessore), and Khalenmew Yimchunger (60 Pungro-Kiphire).
Meanwhile, the final date for the nominations for the intending candidates for the 14th NLA election have been fixed on February 7 while withdrawal of the same would be on February 10.