Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 11
Five political parties have submitted the list of star campaigners for the forthcoming general election to the 14h House of the Nagaland State Assembly (NLA) scheduled on February 27.
The political parties comprised of 3 national parties - Indian National Congress (INC), Janata Dal (United), and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and two state parties - Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party and Naga People's Front (NPF).
A letter from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to the Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland dated February 9 informed of the receipt from various political parties. “The list of leaders received from these political parties may be considered for the purpose of Section 770(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 for General Election to Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 2023,” it stated.
With 40 each, the NDPP, NPF and INC had the maximum star campaigners, followed by 25 for NCP and 20 for JDU.
In terms of list submitted to the ECI, the INC’s star campaigners included bigwigs such as Party President Mallikarjun Kharge; leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra; Chief Ministers-Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghe; and Members of Parliament (MP) such as Dr Shashi Tharoor, Gaurav Gogoi, Jairam Ramesh, Dr Ajoy Kumar and Sachin Pilot.
It also included regional leaders such as Gaikhangam Ganmei, Ibobi Singh, Nabam Tuki, Wanglin Lowangdong, Bhupen Kumar Borah, Lalsawta, Keisham Meghachandra Singh etc.
NPCC President, K Therie and former Chief Minister, KL Chishi were the State’s representative in the list.
The JDU’s list was fronted by its National President and Leader Lok Sabha, Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh; Ministers in Government of Bihar, Sharvan Kumar and Sanjay Jha; MPs Ramprit Mandal, Aneel Prasad Hegde and Afaque Ahmad Khan; and MLC member Bihar & National General Secretary, Afaque Ahmad Khan.
Presidents of Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur-Ruhi Tagung and Biren Singh respectively were the regional representatives while from Nagaland unit, the JDU’s list included President Senchumo NSN Lotha, General Secretary Imsumongba Pongen, Vice President, Hatpha Wang and Chairman Election Campaign Committee, Yanthungo Kikon.
The NCP’s list was headed by party supremo and National President Sharad Pawar, Vice President & MP, Praful Patel; National General Secretaries, Sunil D Tatkare, KK Sharma, Mohd Faizal PP, Jitendra Awhad and Member, NCWC & MP, Supriya Sule.
The list also included 10 star campaigners from Nagaland State unit including President, Vanthungo Odyuo; Vice Presidents-Thungjamo Lotha, Kuvepoyi Lohe, SE Kikon and; Lasukiu Sangtam; and General Secretaries- Joseph D Naga, Bideno, Mhademo Kithan, & Marylin; and Treasurer Sughoe Yepthomi.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio headed the NDPP’s star campaigners list, followed by Party President Chingwang Konyak; Adviser to CM and Secretary General Abu Metha; and host of sitting legislators including G Kaito Aye, Neiba Kronu, Metsubo Jamir, Tongpang Ozukum, TR Zeliang, KT Sukhalu, Dr Nekiesalie Nicky Kire, Zhaleo Rio, Y Vikheho Swu. MP Tokheho Yepthomi was also in the list.
The NPF’s list is headed by Party President, Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu and Leader NPFLP, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.
Three members for Manipur Unit, Ministers- Khashim Vashum and Awangbow Newmai and General Secretary Honreikhui Kashung were also included in the list.
Other on the list were State functionaries such as Working Presidents- Apong Pongener, Dr Huskha Yepthomi, Thenucho Tunyi and Pusazo Lürüo; General Secretaries- Besüpra Swuro, H Changlemba Chang, Toniho Sheqi, S Heno, Rukkimong, Akavi Sumi, Povotso Lohe and Diethoselhou Sachü; and Bishnu Bhattacharjee, President Minority.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the other national party and NDPP alliance partner Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which is yet to announces the list of would do so in next few days.
A member of BJP State Media Cell informed that the party is going to announce the list of star campaigners in the next few days and waiting confirmation of party National President JP Nadda to unveil the same.
The list will be released along with the party’s manifesto for Nagaland Election 2023, the member added.
It must be noted the lists of star campaigners submitted by political parties are indicative in nature and inclusion of names do not imply that the concerned individual will campaign.
Altogether, 183 candidates are in fray for the upcoming general election to 14 NLA with NDDP leading the list with 40, followed by INC (23); NPF (22); Independent (19); Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (15); NCP &National People Party (12 each); Republican Party of India (Athawale) & JDU (9 each); Rashtriya Janata Dal (3); and 1 each for Communist Party of India and Rising People’s Party.
Apart from 5 listed above, the lists of star campaigners for other parties were not available till the fling of this report.
