With the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency set for a by-election following the demise of veteran leader Imkong L Imchen in November last year, the contest ahead is being widely viewed as more than a numbers game. For many within the Ao Naga community, the challenge will be whether any successor can command the authority, loyalty, and political weight that Imchen exercised for over two decades.
Known for his blunt, fearless style and willingness to speak his mind, Imkong Imchen remained one of the most influential and controversial figures in Nagaland state politics. Widely regarded as a voice for the Ao Naga community, he was unafraid to question or critique Ao civil society organizations when necessary, while consistently urging unity and collective action. His forthright approach earned both respect and criticism, reinforcing his image as a leader committed to the interests and cohesion of his community. Supporters also credited him with ensuring livelihoods and access to opportunities for constituents, a factor many believe contributed to his sustained popularity across villages.
Imchen’s electoral record reflects this enduring influence. Elected five consecutive times from 28 Koridang, he was one of the longest-serving leaders in the state, commanding deep personal loyalty across party lines and generations. For nearly 20 years, elections in Koridang were closely fought and closely watched across Ao areas, not merely for party politics but for the constituency’s symbolic importance within the community.
The 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency comprises seven villages – Mangmetong, Longkhum, Chungtia, Aliba, Mekuli, Kinunger and Khensa, along with a number of satellite settlements, each with distinct local priorities.
Historically, winning Koridang has required political skill, consensus-building, and engagement across these diverse communities, making Imchen’s sustained dominance notable. The constituency has also historically faced instances of electoral unrest, with past polls occasionally marred by violence and tensions. Political observers note that managing security and maintaining a peaceful voting environment has been a recurring challenge, making the constituency as much a test of governance as of political popularity.
With Imchen no longer in the picture, political observers are watching closely to see how parties and voters respond to the vacuum he leaves behind. At present, multiple aspirants are understood to be weighing their options, with many waiting for clarity on party tickets, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which Imchen last represented, before making formal announcements. Similar anticipation surrounds the official positions of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and the Congress, suggesting that the contest will only take definitive shape once party decisions are declared.
BJP President Yepthomi earlier in December last year said the BJP is yet to make a decision on the issue while NPF leader Achumbemo said they’ll have to decide only after a consultative meeting.
In a constituency long seen as a barometer of Ao political sentiment, the outcome will be closely watched not just for who wins the seat, but for how leadership transitions take shape within the community.
As Koridang prepares for the polls, the central question is whether the next representative can uphold the standard of accessibility, decisiveness, and community cohesion that Imchen maintained, or whether changing political dynamics will reshape expectations. For voters in 28 Koridang, the by-election is more than a vote. It is a test of trust and leadership for a community that has long placed its faith in one of its most formidable leaders.
