How 23 Impur Assembly Constituency became an ideological battleground

TN Mannen, Advisor for Law & Justice today campaigned across all villages under 23 Impur AC in Mokokchung district starting from Longpa village to Yisemyong in support for the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) consensus candidate, Dr Chumben Murry. The PDA is made up of the NDPP, BJP, NPP, NCP, LJP (RV), JD(U), RPI(A), and NPF, as well as 4 Independent MLAs.

According to the Advisor, the biggest challenge in Impur AC was “the reluctance to accept the BJP”.

The ongoing Lok Sabha election is heavily marked by the debate of alleged “anti-Christian” sentiments projected by the ruling NDA, primarily led by the RSS-BJP. On the other hand, Impur constituency is home to the Impur Mission Center of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM), and has historical significance as the launch pad of Christianity’s spread across Nagaland, dating back to the establishment of the mission center by American Baptist Missionaries in 1894. Meanwhile, Congress has accused the BJP of persecuting Christians and other religious minorities while advocating for secularism in its campaign.

“The Lok Sabha election is between national party Indian National Congress and Regional party NDPP,” emphasized Advisor TN Mannen during his campaign.

Aolepden, NDPP’s Star Campaigner and Vice President of the party’s Central Organization, acknowledged that due to ABAM’s presence in Impur AC, Congress’ campaign on secularism has hindered public acceptance of the PDA candidate.

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“But Dr Chumben Murry is from a regional party,” Aolepden asserted, justifying that the NDPP is in ally with the BJP because BJP is ruling in the Centre. Aolepden, who is also a former Ex-MLA, accused the Congress of playing religion card in politics.

“If Congress supports Christian, why are they legalizing LGBTQ+? This is mentioned in their manifesto. Same-Sex marriage is not only anti-Christian but is also against the customs of the Naga,” he added. “Isn’t this backstabbing by the Congress? They say they are sympathetic towards Christian then why is their manifesto about legalizing LGBTQ+?”

A representative from the NDPP Mokokchung region reiterated that the PDA candidate is not from BJP and that the alleged persecution of Christians happened during the Congress rule as well.

NDPP campaigners alleged that various media channels spread rumors and propaganda about the Christian persecution to tarnish the image of the PDA consensus candidate.

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Furthermore, the NDPP accused Congress of contesting not to win but to prevent their removal from the Election Commission. “They are contesting not for victory but to protect their party flag,” added Aolepden.