The upcoming by-election to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung district is gradually shaping into a multi-cornered contest, with community groups and political leaders rallying behind different aspirants ahead of the poll.
The seat fell vacant following the demise of veteran leader Imkong L Imchen in November last year. The Election Commission of India is yet to announce the poll date.
In a press communiqué issued after a general public meeting held at Yimkong Salang on March 12, the Yimlang Citizens’ Forum of Mangmetong village declared its full support for Imchatoba Imchen as the consensus candidate for the upcoming by-election. Imchatoba is presently the President of the NPF Central Youth Wing and a former president of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
The forum stated that the decision was taken after a “threadbare discussion” during the meeting. It also informed that another aspiring candidate from the same village, Imsumongba, had withdrawn from the electoral race on March 5 and extended his support to Imchatoba Imchen in a move aimed at strengthening unity among the people.
The forum expressed confidence in Imchatoba Imchen’s leadership, commitment to the rights of the people and dedication to youth empowerment and development, stating that he is best suited to represent the aspirations of the people of the constituency. It also urged citizens of the constituency to unite and extend their support to him in the by-election.
Meanwhile, in another development, the Bharatiya Janata Party Legislators’ Forum in Nagaland has written to Anil K Antony, BJP national secretary and Nagaland state in-charge, recommending that the party ticket for the Koridang by-election be allotted to Daochier I Imchen.
In the letter, the BJP legislators referred to the late Imkong L Imchen as a senior leader whose long years of legislative experience and public engagement earned him respect across party and community lines.
Apart from these developments, several other aspirants are also said to be preparing to enter the fray.
From Chungtia village, Major (Retd) Toshikaba and Chalukumba, both of whom contested the last election, are likely to contest again. Meanwhile, Imtiwapang, who sought voluntary retirement from his post as Inspector of Industries at the District Industries Centre, Mokokchung on March 1, is also expected to contest the by-election.
From Aliba village, Longden Longkumer is also being mentioned among the aspirants, although no official declaration has been made so far.
In Longkhum village, sources indicate that a few individuals are also exploring the possibility of contesting the by-election, although no names have been officially confirmed so far.
The 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency comprises seven villages – Mangmetong, Longkhum, Chungtia, Aliba, Mekuli, Kinunger and Khensa, along with a number of satellite settlements in Alichen amd Yimyu. While aspirants have emerged from some of these villages, political observers say candidates from other villages may also enter the contest as the by-election approaches.
As per the final published electoral roll, the total number of electors in 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency stands at 22,390.
With candidates emerging from different villages across the constituency, the Koridang by-election is increasingly being seen as a closely watched contest, as voters look for a successor to the political influence long exercised by the late Imkong L Imchen.