The Bharatiya Janata Party has begun consultations with allies ahead of the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election scheduled for April 9 in Mokokchung district.
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DIMAPUR — BJP spokesperson and in-charge of Nagaland and Meghalaya, Anil K Antony, on Tuesday said the party has begun consultations with state leaders and allies ahead of the by-election to the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency.
He said the final decision on the party’s candidate will be taken by the BJP’s central leadership after considering inputs from the state unit.
Antony, who arrived in Dimapur on Tuesday, said a series of meetings will be held with BJP state leaders, while discussions are also scheduled with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) leadership.
Interacting with media persons at Dimapur Airport, he said the BJP’s Central Election Committee will take the final call on the party’s nominee.
The committee includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the BJP national president, among others.
Also read: Nagaland: By-poll clock starts ticking in Koridang
He reiterated that the BJP shares a strong alliance with the NPF in Nagaland under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, describing him as a key ally of the National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.
On speculation that a leader currently serving as president of the NPF Central Youth Wing may be in the fray, Antony said he was not aware of such developments and termed it premature to comment.
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He said the situation is still being assessed by the concerned state leadership.
Amid reports that 11 BJP legislators have submitted recommendations on the candidate without the knowledge of party karyakartas, Antony said the BJP functions as a democratic organisation where members, including legislators, are free to express their views.
“They have given their opinions, but the final decision will be taken by the Central Election Committee,” he maintained, adding that the central leadership will take an appropriate and timely decision.
The by-election to the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency in Mokokchung district is scheduled to be held on April 9.