Party leaders with Kezhanguto Zhotso, BJP candidate for bye-election to Chümoukedima Town Council Ward-11.
Assembly allies, ULB rivals
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 3
PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi called for camaraderie and a sporting spirit among allies who share power in the State Assembly but are competing against each other in the local municipal elections.
He was speaking at the declaration programme of the BJP candidate Kezhanguto Zhotso for the bye-election to the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) Ward-11 on June 3. Zhotso is running against the NPF’s Neichü U Kuotsu. “Both candidates are from the ruling government, the PDA government. So, please do not criticize each other, but you have to know the truth,” Zhimomi stated, urging party workers to maintain a sportsmanlike spirit.
BJP candidate Kezhanguto Zhotso appealed to the Ward-11 electorate for support, promising to address issues like drug and alcohol addiction among the youth. Zhotso pledged to work with transparency and honesty, offering to raise municipal concerns at the administrative level. According to him, he has been accessible to common citizens, stating his house is open to all, and that his primary goal is to ensure the implementation of government welfare schemes within the ward.
Nagaland BJP President Benjamin Yepthomi said that the party chose Zhotso in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to bring youth into mainstream politics. He described the BJP versus NPF at the CTC bye-election as a friendly contest. As opposed to regional parties, he said that the BJP as a national party is driven by a development agenda for all, citing the party's ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ slogan.
BJP MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs Tovihoto Ayemi spoke on the vacancy created by the demise of former councillor Keneisetuo Doze. Ayemi stated that while the vacancy was unfortunate, the bye-election is a democratic necessity. He praised Zhotso's leadership record, citing his prior roles as president of the Chümoukedima Town Youth Organisation, Chakhroma Youth Organisation, and Chümoukedima Region Villages. Ayemi called on party workers to coordinate efforts and secure a victory.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Minister of Higher Education and Tourism Temjen Imna Along, scheduled to attend the programme could not, due to unavoidable circumstances.
