Congress names T Chalukumba Ao as candidate for Koridang bypoll, with AICC approval ahead of upcoming Assembly election.
Share
KOHIMA — The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has named T Chalukumba Ao as the party’s candidate for the upcoming by-election to 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency in Nagaland.
According to an official communication issued by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal on March 21, the candidature was approved by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The by-poll is scheduled for April 9.
The party formally handed over the ticket to Chalukumba at a programme held at Congress Bhavan in Kohima on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, NPCC working president Khriedi Theunuo said that the party received a single application for the ticket, which was considered by the Pradesh Election Committee and recommended to the AICC.
He described Chalukumba as a well-known figure in the constituency who has contested the last three elections, and expressed confidence in his prospects.
NPCC President and Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir said that due procedures were followed, including consultations at the state level and approval from the central leadership. He added that senior leaders are expected to campaign as star campaigners.
In his acceptance speech, Chalukumba said that it was his first time receiving a Congress ticket and described it as a long-cherished aspiration. He said he would file his nomination on March 23 and indicated that the contest is likely to be primarily between the Congress and the BJP.
He added that campaign activities would begin next week and sought the support of party workers.
More details to follow.