With six candidates in the contest, the Koridang by-election is once again reflecting the constituency’s political character, where candidates speak less in terms of promises and more about its realities, history and identity.
With the filing of nominations completed, the contest will see BJP’s Daochier I Imchen, Congress candidate T Chalokumba Ao, NPP’s I Abenjang, and Independent candidates Imtiwapang Kichu, Major (Retd.) Toshikaba, and Imchatoba Imchen.
In interactions with the media, most candidates spoke less about what they would deliver and more about the realities of the constituency – its past, its tensions, and the limitations of time.
A recurring concern was the need for a peaceful election. NPP candidate I Abenjang said Koridang has been “one of the most critical” constituencies and pointed out that in the last few elections, situations had “gotten out of hand.” He said his priority would be to “bring peace during election,” adding that leadership from Longkhum could help restore stability, as he believes “only a candidate from Longkhum will be capable enough to set that in order.”
Independent candidate Imtiwapang Kichu described Koridang as a constituency where “regional politics is very much eminent,” and said his approach would be guided by local dynamics and needs. Acknowledging the scale of challenges, he said addressing the issues within a limited period would be “a Herculean task,” adding that his focus would include youth empowerment. He also said that while he is not affiliated with any political party, he has been involved in public service through different platforms and now intends to take that responsibility to a larger level.
Major (Retd.) Toshikaba, contesting as an Independent, said he has “never promised anything” to the electorate and that his focus would be on remaining in constant contact with the people.
Referring to the constituency’s electoral history, he said election-related violence “should be changed and removed,” and noted that the system of conducting elections has evolved over time. He added that he remains confident after losing the last election by a margin of 410 votes and is seeking a people’s mandate rather than relying on party backing.
Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen referred to his recent resignation as president of the NPF youth wing, stating that in 2023 the seat went to BJP under a pre-poll arrangement, and maintained that Koridang has its own political dynamics. He said that being outside a political party “makes no difference,” and that he has his own vision to lead the people. Emphasising the constituency’s character, he stated that “Koridang was and is a regional constituency,” and said he intends to uphold that identity while focusing on areas such as economic sustenance, human resource development, and the empowerment of youth and women.
At the same time, the dynamics of the constituency continue to reflect the weight of village-based voting patterns. Smaller villages such as Aliba, Kinunger and Mekuli have comparatively limited electoral influence, making it difficult for candidates from these areas to gain ground. In contrast, larger villages have traditionally played a decisive role. However, in a shift from past trends, this election does not see consensus candidates from major vote-bank villages such as Mangmetong, Chungtia and Longkhum, pointing to a more open contest.
Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao described the election as significant, referring to past political circumstances where Congress did not have the opportunity to contest in the constituency. He said that since the 1998 election process was boycotted by some NGOs, there had been little scope for Congress participation, but added that there are still “feelings” and “issues” among the people. Calling the by-election important, he refrained from making specific commitments, stating that it would not be appropriate to do so at this stage, while indicating dissatisfaction with the way governance is currently functioning.
Supongmeren Jamir, Lok Sabha MP and NPCC president, said the by-election presents an opportunity for Koridang voters to “open a new chapter” politically, adding that it could create space for younger leadership in the future. He said the party’s candidate has continued to remain in the fray despite losing previous elections, and described him as someone willing to “stand for the people” and speak without bias.
NPCC working president C Apok Jamir said that recent elections have shown that voters in Nagaland are increasingly conscious of their choices. While expressing confidence in the party’s ideology, he stressed that what is essential is a free and fair election process.
BJP candidate Daochier I Imchen, who filed his nomination earlier, formally declared his candidature at his native village Mangmetong ahead of the by-election. Addressing supporters, he said he had no initial ambition to contest, but was brought into the fray by what he described as “extraordinary circumstances.” He recalled his father’s deep connection to the constituency and said he felt compelled to step forward so that those aspirations are not left unfulfilled.
He further said that he would have about one year and six months to prove himself, unlike others who might have a full five-year term, but maintained that he takes this as a challenge and would try his best to serve both the village and the constituency.
Meanwhile, the National People’s Party has announced its list of star campaigners for the by-election, led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The list includes senior leaders from both Meghalaya and Nagaland, indicating the party’s focus on the Koridang contest. The Indian National Congress has also announced its list of star campaigners. The 21-member list, announced by Randeep Singh Surjewala, General Secretary of the INC, is led by Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and includes party leaders from both the national and state levels.
The election also comes ahead of a directive issued by NSCN (IM), stating that its “national workers” should not interfere in the electoral process and warning that any violation would invite action.
Taken together, the early tone of the campaign reflects a constituency where elections are shaped less by promises and more by how candidates engage with its history, identity and underlying tensions.