Seyievilie Sachu, the Indian National Congress (INC) candidate who was once the president of the Congress Youth wing in the constituency and was elevated to the vice-president of the district congress committee in 2018, is set to face the State’s longest serving Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who is seeking a fifth stint to occupy the CM Office.

 

Neiphiu Rio and Seyievilie Sachu

 

72-year-old Rio earlier during his campaign in 26 Aonglenden AC had taken a dig at the Congress saying, “In the centre, the main opposition is Congress. I heard they’re also giving out tickets here”.

 

“There is one person contesting against me; they are not contesting to win, but to keep the name alive,” he said of his 37-year-old opponent.

 

Rio, on the other hand, has told reporters that he respects all candidates.

 

Sachu, who initially received no support from his own family members because they knew he couldn’t compete with Rio in terms of politics and resources, believes that with a “free and fair contest without any inducement,” people will vote for change.

 

“I want to stand up and fight against the policy of providing help only to Mr. Rio’s close aides,” he said, according to The Hindu.

 

Sachu wishes to stand up and fight for the rights of the neglected citizens at the grassroots level.
Under Rio’s leadership, he believes the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer.

 

As per the Election Commission, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is the second richest candidate in the state, with assets totaling Rs. 46.95 crore, while Sachu has assets totaling Rs. 18 lakhs.

 

According to Caravan magazine, “Who forms the government in Nagaland will ultimately be determined by who has the most money, the most muscle power, and maximum control of the levers of state authority” – we will find out in just two days.

 

 

Mokokchung Times

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