NDPP, BJP likely to contest ULB polls independently
The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) elections are scheduled to be held in Nagaland on 26 June across three Municipal councils and 36 Town councils. This will be the first ULB election in the state in two decades, as well as the first-ever to be held with a 33 percent reservation for women.
The filing of nominations will be from 7 to 11 June, and the last date for the withdrawal of candidates will be 20 June, with the counting and declaration of results scheduled for 29 June.
Many intending candidates have already started their election campaigns. However, all the major political parties in Mokokchung are yet to make any official announcements.
NDPP Mokokchung Region President, Mangyangnungba, mentioned the likelihood of a “friendly contest” among all political parties while ruling out the possibility of a pre-poll alliance with other parties. The seat-sharing arrangement between the NDPP and the BJP practiced in the last two state assembly elections is not likely to be replicated in the ULB elections. Moreover, with all political parties extending support to the NDPP-BJP alliance government in the state, forging a pre-poll alliance between NDPP and BJP while ignoring other parties becomes a difficult proposition.
Similarly, BJP Mokokchung District President, S Bendang Aier, stated that no final decision has been made by the party yet. While mentioning that it is premature to comment on the matter, he affirmed that the BJP would be contesting the ULB elections. He also informed that the State BJP President, Benjamin Yepthomi, is currently in Delhi, and the party would meet after his return.
The President of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Mokokchung Division, Tangit Imsong, also mentioned that they are yet to receive any definitive directive from the party’s central office. However, he stated that the NPF is gearing up for the ULB elections and will be contesting them.
Mokokchung District Congress Committee President, Watimongba, mentioned that as of now, there is no directive from the high command regarding his party’s participation in the ULB elections.