The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has lodged a formal complaint with the State Election Commission (SEC) against BJP MLA and Advisor of the Department of Tribal Affairs and Election, Tovihoto Ayemi.
The complaint alleged that Kanili Kinilimi, an Indian National Congress (INC) candidate for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) election from Ward 7, Dimapur, was “lured into withdrawing her candidature from the upcoming ULB with the promise of offering a Nominated seat to the Dimapur Municpal council, by Tovihoto Ayemi, BJP MLA & Advisor, Dept. of Tribal Affairs and Election”.
In its letter, the NPCC detailed that Kinilimi had been officially declared as the INC candidate and had participated in a formal declaration service.
The NPCC’s letter also referenced an audio-visual clip of Kinilimi’s confession, which was reported by the Nagaland News Network, a YouTube news agency, on the same day. The NPCC strongly condemned Ayemi’s actions, asserting that they not only undermines the dignity and integrity of the electoral institution but also blatantly violates a number of penal and electoral laws.
The letter stated, “The conduct of the MLA adversely interferes with the spirit of free and fair elections, which is the very pillar and foundation of universal adult suffrage.” The NPCC expressed dismay that a third time elected member to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from a nationally recognized party would resort to such “sneaky and cheap tricks”.
The NPCC has called for an investigation by the SEC, urging it to summon Ayemi for questioning and to take necessary legal action. The party emphasized the importance of restoring the integrity and sanctity of the electoral process in Nagaland.
In a public statement, the NPCC condemned the “blatant abuse of power” by Ayemi and the BJP – Nagaland Unit, urging all citizens to denounce such undemocratic practices. The NPCC called on the SEC and the Government of Nagaland to take up the matter in all seriousness and initiate necessary action for prompt delivery of justice and win back the confidence of the electorate of the affected Ward and the State in general.