T Chalukumba Ao, Congress candidate for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election, with Yimyu council members during his declaration programme at Yimyu Ward on April 1.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | April 1
Campaigning for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election intensified over the past two days, with candidates fanning out across key villages and localities, holding simultaneous declaration programme ahead of the April 9 poll.
From Chungtia and Aliba to Kinunger, Mekuli and Yimyu Ward, candidates stepped up outreach efforts, signalling the start of an increasingly competitive multi-cornered contest.
National People’s Party (NPP) candidate I Abenjang declared his candidature in Chungtia, Aliba and Kinunger on March 31, followed by Yimyu Ward and Mekuli on April 1.
Calling for a shift in political culture, Abenjang said elections should not be driven by hostility. “There is no permanent friend or opponent in politics,” he said, urging candidates to work together beyond the polls to chart a common development roadmap for the constituency.
He stressed transparency and free and fair elections, while appealing to voters to support him on polling day.
The NPP also announced that Meghalaya Chief Minister and party president Conrad Sangma will address a public rally at Longkhum village on April 2.
Congress candidate T Chalukumba Ao launched his campaign with declaration meetings in Aliba and Chungtia on March 31 and Yimyu Ward on April 1, joined by senior party leaders including MP and NPCC President S Supongmeren Jamir.
Positioning himself as a voice of opposition, Ao said his election would end the opposition-less character of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He asserted that he would raise public concerns fearlessly and oppose decisions that go against people’s interests.
Calling for a peaceful democratic process, he cautioned voters against “empty development promises,” stressing instead the need for sustainable economic growth. “Economic power is greater than politics,” he said.
Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen declared his candidature at Chungtia village on March 31 and subsequently held similar programme in Kinunger and Aliba villages.
Addressing the gathering in Chungtia, Imchen said he is not contesting the election out of a desire to become an MLA, but out of concern for the current condition of the constituency and the state.
He described his decision to contest as one of the most significant of his life, adding that his aim is to bring Koridang at par with other constituencies. He also appreciated the Chungtia Village Council for promoting free and fair elections, noting that despite having three candidates from the same village, the council had taken a firm and principled stand.
Reinforcing this, Chungtia Village Council Chairman Assamwati Longchar said, the village remains open to all candidates and will ensure a level playing field.
Calling for unity and restraint, he urged candidates to set an example of a peaceful contest. “Elections will come and go, but we will continue to live together,” he said.
