Sharingain Longkumer calls for political accountability beyond infrastructure politics
The installation of new office bearers for the 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency (AC) NDPP unit may appear routine, but remarks made at the event suggest the party is tightening internal structures, calling for greater discipline, and looking to strengthen its grassroots network with an eye on the 2028 elections.
Held at Arok Sapang, Ungma, the programme marked the formal induction of 370 office bearers representing all seven units under the constituency. The gathering was attended by senior party functionaries, including NDPP Mokokchung Region President Repameren, NDPP Working President N Bendang Jamir, and 26 Aonglenden MLA and NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer.
“This is the first time such an installation program is being held,” said Repameren, calling it a significant organisational step. He told the gathering that oath-taking carried political meaning.
“When you take an oath in a political party, it means you belong to that political party. Leaders must speak the NDPP political language,” he said.
He also pointed out that while certain committees—like the Agri & Allied and Student Committee—are yet to be formed, they are mandated by the party constitution and expected to come into force soon.
Stressing the importance of structure, he urged every unit to immediately enroll at least one Booth Level Agent (BLA), stating that polling agents are not just relevant during elections.
With 370 office bearers across seven units, the 26 Aonglenden AC now has one of the largest NDPP units in Mokokchung Division. According to the President, the distribution includes: 113 from Ungma; 68 from Sangtemla; 52 from Marepkong; 46 from Arkong; 40 from Dilong; 34 from Kupza; and 17 from Settsü.
Working President N Bendang Jamir took a firmer tone. “We will assess the working of party workers more thoroughly,” he said, stating that only those who work hard will be rewarded. “Those who go against the party principle will be expelled,” he added.
He made it clear that the NDPP is gearing up for serious competition in all 60 Assembly Constituencies in terms of performance and said expert committees are already working towards it.
NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, elected from 26 Aonglenden AC, used the occasion to reflect on the direction of public service in the constituency and the state. He acknowledged 26 Aonglenden’s contribution to state politics but warned that “certain degree of accountability and transparency in public service” must now be embraced at the grassroots. “It should begin from me,” he said.
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He called on the AC unit to actively monitor delivery of public services, echoing a sentiment that politics must go beyond retaining walls and footsteps. “Since 1963 when Nagaland attained Statehood, there has been endless number of construction of retaining walls and footsteps. We can innovate from this,” he said.
Invoking the national government’s Vision 2047 of Viksit Bharat, Sharingain asked: “Are we only going to keep making drainage or continue making agri-load link roads, or are we going to find a vision together?”
He also hinted at larger state-level developments, noting that after the Chief Minister’s recent visits to Moscow and Japan, major announcements related to Human Resource Development are expected soon.
