The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged a stone-pelting incident in parts of the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency ahead of the by-election, even as it expressed confidence that the PDA consensus candidate, Daochier I Imchen, would secure a “high margin” victory.
Addressing a press conference in Mokokchung, Temjen Imna Along referred to the “stone pelting incident in Mangmetong area” earlier in the day, terming it “very unconventional.”
“We condemn such kind of methods… we will not be standing to just watch,” he said, while urging the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to ensure that “all citizens are at peace” and able to participate in the election.
Meanwhile, police officials said that a convoy of Minister Metsübo Jamir was allegedly targeted with stone pelting by a group, and that a few individuals have been detained. Further details are awaited.
Along asserted that the BJP-backed consensus candidate is “on the winning foot,” adding, “we are very happy to let you know in advance that he will be winning with a high margin.”
He said the party was receiving a “very promising response” from across villages and pointed to a “sympathy wave” in favour of the candidate, who is the son of late Imkong L Imchen.
Along further claimed that “some of the intending candidates are already giving up,” adding that “internal negotiations are going on” and that others “may also come on board in support” of the PDA consensus candidate.
Calling the election a “democratic festival,” he cautioned against coercion. “Voting is by choice… not threaten people, not threaten supporters of any candidate,” he said.
Referring to past trends, Along said, “The narrative that Koridang assembly constituency always has a fight… this game should not be there.”
Responding to criticism over candidate selection, he rejected allegations of dynastic politics, stating, “The choice… is not of dynastic politics. It is a choice made by the parliamentary board,” based on “ability and capability.”
He added that the constituency needs “somebody in the government who can work with the government… to uplift and upgrade Koridang,” while appealing for a “clean and fair election” in the days leading up to polling.