Mhomo Humtsoe addresses the gathering during his candidature declaration programme held at VDB Hall in Wokha Town on June 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 13
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on June 13 officially declared Mhomo Humtsoe as its candidate for the forthcoming Wokha Town Council Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Bye-Election 2026 from Tsumang B Ward No. 8 during a campaign programme held at the VDB Hall in Wokha Town.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party (BLP) leader Yanthungo Patton, Advisor for Information and Public Relations, Soil and Water Conservation Daochier I Imchen, BJP Nagaland State President Benjamin Yepthomi, and Dimapur Municipal Council councillor and BJYM Nagaland President V Khekato Awomi, among others.
Addressing the media, Patton said the BJP and the NPF, as alliance partners, were working together in the Wokha Town Council.
"At present, our alliance partner holds 11 seats while the BJP has three seats. Even if the BJP wins this by-election, our strength will increase to four seats, and there will be no issue as both parties remain alliance partners," he said.
On electoral integrity, Patton said any allegation of proxy voting or other electoral irregularities would be addressed through the Election Commission for review and necessary action.
In his keynote address, Benjamin Yepthomi urged the Lotha community to take pride in having Patton serve as the Deputy Chief Minister despite the community having only four representatives in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
"Such a position is not easily attained, and the community must unite and support its leaders," he said.
Stating that no individual is perfect, Yepthomi observed that people often focus on a single mistake while overlooking numerous good deeds and urged the public to recognise and appreciate positive contributions.
Describing Patton as a leader of the entire state, he said the Deputy Chief Minister represents Nagaland at the highest levels alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Referring to the forthcoming by-election, Yepthomi called for a free and fair election and said the most deserving and hardworking candidate should emerge victorious through a democratic process.
Accepting the party nomination, Humtsoe expressed gratitude to the BJP leadership and supporters for placing their trust in him.
"I am humbled to stand as the BJP candidate for the upcoming Wokha Town Council ULB By-Election 2026 from Tsumang B Ward No. 8," he said, while thanking Patton for the opportunity to contest on the party ticket.
Humtsoe assured the electorate that if elected, he would work for the upliftment of the ward and further strengthen the party.
Advisor Daochier I Imchen, meanwhile, stressed the importance of grassroots governance and said party tickets are awarded after careful deliberation rather than by chance.
"The BJP is a responsible national party, and Mhomo Humtsoe deserves this opportunity," he said.
Imchen also said the parties had agreed to a friendly contest and reiterated the BJP's commitment to good governance and public service. He urged party workers to intensify campaign efforts in the remaining days and work towards securing a decisive victory for the BJP candidate.
The programme was chaired by Caroline Patton, President of BJPMM Wokha. The invocation was pronounced by Bikhamo Yanthan, Pastor of Humtso Baptist Church, while the welcome address was delivered by BJP Wokha Unit President Rhanbemo Odyuo. The vote of thanks was proposed by 38 A/C Wokha Mandal President Jenithung Lotha, and the benediction was pronounced by Nrikon Ngullie, Deacon of Wokha Town Baptist Church.
