Legacy of regionalism endures as candidates expand discourse to governance, inclusion, and development
At Khensa on Saturday, the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election took on a significance beyond a routine electoral exercise, as all six candidates used a common platform to frame the contest as one that could define the constituency’s political direction.
Six candidates in the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election during the mass declaration program organized by Khensa Senso Mungdang at the Khensa Multipurpose Hall on Saturday, March 28.
At a mass declaration program organised by Khensa Senso Mungdang at the Khensa Multipurpose Hall, candidates across party lines and independents repeatedly returned to a central theme that Koridang is being watched for the direction it will signal, both within Nagaland and beyond.
C Apok Jamir, Working President of NPCC and a supporter of INC candidate Chalukumba, captured this sentiment, stating that “Nagas are looking at what direction Koridang is showing,” adding that while “government may not change through this election, a direction will be shown.”
For BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, the appeal rested on continuity and political legacy. Presenting himself as the PDA consensus candidate, he said he would carry forward “the legacy” of his father, and asserted that Koridang’s voice would be taken to the NLA and beyond.
Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen also invoked political continuity, recalling his experience working with late Imkong L Imchen and Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio. At the same time, he positioned himself outside party structures, stating that he had rejected both BJP and INC tickets because “Independent gives a free mind,” and called for “conscious politics.”
Several speakers acknowledged Koridang’s long-standing association with Naga nationalism and regional politics.
NPP candidate I Abenjang described Koridang as having a “Naga nationalistic mindset” and termed the by-election “a good time for Koridang to choose the right candidate,” while emphasizing political “revival and resurrection.”
Imchatoba Imchen similarly noted that Koridang “stood through thick and thin in regionalism” and had been at the forefront of the Naga political movement.
Alongside identity and legacy, candidates increasingly foregrounded issues of governance, infrastructure and delivery.
Independent candidate Imtiwapang Kichu pointed to the gap between policy and implementation, stating that flagship programmes “never reach the grassroots.” Referring to his party symbol, he said he sought support to become the “torch bearer,” while stressing that “changes should begin with us” and that without a shift in mindset, “none of our vision can be implemented.”
Among the most detailed development pitches came from Independent candidate Major Toshikaba (Retd.), who highlighted long-standing infrastructure gaps, particularly the neglect of National Highway 702D for “10 to 15 years.”
He stated that the Mokokchung–Mariani road, for which funds have already been sanctioned, “can be settled within 5–10 months,” and argued that economic growth in the region would depend on attracting domestic tourists.
Outlining a broader vision, he proposed a mini hydro project on the Milak River, development of a futsal ground and cold storage facilities in Longkhum, and activation of the ITC centre in Noklak to facilitate trade with Southeast Asian nations. He also suggested the establishment of a defence academy in Khensa, subject to land availability.
Across speeches, a pattern emerged. Although Political affiliations differed, candidates converged on the idea that the by-election represents more than a contest for a single seat.
From calls for youth and women empowerment to appeals for ideological clarity and governance reform, the messaging reflected a constituency negotiating between its historical political identity and present developmental expectations.
As one speaker observed, the outcome may not alter the government but it may determine the direction Koridang chooses to project.
