As polling day approaches for the impending Lok Sabha 2024 elections in Nagaland, both the PDA consensus candidate, Dr Chumben Murry, and the Congress candidate, S Supongmeren Jamir, have circulated letters appealing to voters for their support. Their impassioned appeals reflect competing voices, with Dr Murry emphasizing continuity and progress while Jamir advocates for change and resilience.
In his appeal letter, Dr Murry urged voters to rally behind him, highlighting the achievements of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio-led government and emphasizing the significance of peace, development, and progress in Nagaland.
Murry highlighted the relative peace and unity under the current leadership, citing the formation of a government without opposition as a testament to strength and unity. He credited the proactive approach of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, citing innovative policies and infrastructure development as drivers of progress.
Dr Murry commended the Chief Minister’s “charismatic rapport with central leaders,” which has created “favorable perceptions of our developmental needs by the central leaders.” He emphasized the need to prioritize infrastructure development and social welfare programs, aiming to uplift marginalized communities and empower youth.
He also mentioned the slogan of the PM Modi-led NDA government, “India will be a global economic powerhouse by 2047,” and added that the NDA was set to come back to power with a thumping majority. “Would we not like to be in that boat of prosperity?” he asked.
With the backing of 60 legislators and key political entities, including regional and national parties, Murry expressed confidence in his candidacy, vowing to represent the people of Nagaland in the Indian Parliament with utmost dedication. He urged voters to “move forward in unity, embracing the promise of prosperity and progress that lies ahead,” adding, “Your vote counts.”
Meanwhile, Congress candidate Supongmeren Jamir also made a poignant call to action, urging voters to reflect on the power of their ballots in shaping Nagaland’s destiny. He appealed to the voters in Nagaland to “fervently pray and ask for discernment” before casting their votes.
“Your one precious vote, which is more powerful than the force of a bullet, will be the deciding factor to build our future as Nagas or spell doomsday for all of us,” he said.
Jamir emphasized the potential impact of a single Lok Sabha seat combined with others wanting to make a difference. In his letter, he cited how minority groups, including Christians in India, are being “persecuted and intimidated on many levels.”
He alleged Christians being targeted and said that “hatred towards the minority groups can be seen in the forceful replacement of religious holidays and renaming of places and institutions on some pretext or another.” “Are we going to accept such atrocities against us by becoming mute spectators, or do you feel that it is time we say enough is enough and bring the change that we deserve?” he asked.
“At such a juncture, making a conscious decision and taking a bold step becomes very crucial for our future. Your precious votes can either build or destroy our future,” he said, while appealing to voters to “prayerfully cast their votes.”
Voting for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state will be held on 19 April. Independent Hayithung Tungoe Lotha, along with Congress candidate S Supongmeren Jamir, and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate Dr Chumben Murry and are in the fray. A total of 13,17,536 electorates will be exercising their franchise, including more than 19,000 first-time voters. The state has 6,60,807 female voters while the number of male voters is 6,56,729.
