As campaigning for the Koridang bypoll officially ended at 4 pm on April 7, denials and shifting local signals marked the close of campaigning ahead of polling on April 9.
Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen has dismissed rumours of an alleged “merger” or understanding with rival BJP candidate Daochir, calling such claims “misleading and unnecessary.”
In a press statement, Imchen stated that “there is no official confirmation of any such arrangement,” and urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation. He also rejected reports suggesting that he had withdrawn from the contest.
The statement reiterated Koridang’s tradition of free and fair elections under the guidance of village councils, which have called for the bypoll to be conducted “peacefully, fairly, and without undue influence.” It also appealed to voters to “exercise their choice freely and with confidence,” reflecting “the true voice of the people, without confusion or pressure.”
In a separate statement, he further said, “I, Mr Imchatoba Imchen, an independent candidate, hereby declare that I have never withdrawn my candidature… The information circulating on social media regarding my withdrawal is completely misleading and malicious.”
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Imchen further informed that his supporters and the Yimlang Putu Menden of Mangmetong village held a meeting, resolving to uphold a “peaceful, free, and fair election.”
When asked whether the statement could be considered his official confirmation, he told MT, “Yes, it is confirmed.”
However, local developments suggest a more complex picture.
Despite the public statement, sources in Mangmetong village suggest that Imchatoba Imchen may have stepped back from active contest in the village, although no official confirmation of such a move has been made by the candidate.
Meanwhile, in Longkhum village, a shift in local political alignments is being indicated following the recent poll-related violence that claimed the life of a BJP supporter. A poster circulating on social media claimed that supporters of Major Toshikaba (Retd) from Alichen and Longkhum have extended “full support” to NPP candidate I Abenjang.
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The development on Longkhum was corroborated by multiple sources from the village, although no formal announcement has been issued. The position of BJP supporters in the village remained unclear at the time of filing, and no response could be obtained from Major Toshikaba (Retd).
However, the claims surrounding the poster were soon contested, with another poster describing it as “fake news and propaganda.”
Meanwhile, sources indicated that a closed-door meeting was held in Chungtia village, although details regarding the participants and purpose of the meeting could not be independently confirmed.
Chungtia village falls within an area where three candidates are in the fray – independents Major Toshikaba (Retd) and Imtiwapang Kichu, and Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao – though it could not be confirmed whether any of them were associated with the reported meeting.
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With formal campaigning now over, observers note that political activity has largely moved beyond the public sphere, with developments in localised settings expected to play a crucial role in the final outcome.
