Congress leaders highlight absence of opposition in Nagaland Legislative Assembly, raising concerns over governance, elections and delayed projects.
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KOHIMA — Senior Congress leaders on Tuesday made a strong pitch for the need for an opposition in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, stating that the absence of checks and balances has weakened democratic functioning.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan, Kohima, AICC in-charge of Nagaland and Lok Sabha MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka said the party’s campaign in the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency has highlighted both the lack of an opposition and concerns over the conduct of the election.
“There is no place for violence in a healthy democracy,” Ulaka said, urging the administration to maintain law and order and appealing to village councils and authorities to ensure that polling is conducted without inducement, threats or intimidation.
He said the Assembly currently lacks an effective opposition and maintained that even a single Congress MLA would help introduce accountability and checks in governance. Referring to Rahul Gandhi, he said the opposition has been raising key issues in Parliament and stressed the need for a similar voice in Nagaland.
Ulaka expressed confidence in party candidate T Chalukumba Ao, describing him as a grassroots leader contesting his fourth election and stating that the party is receiving a positive response from voters.
Related: Chalukumba Ao to contest Koridang by-poll on Congress ticket
Raising governance issues, he criticised delays in implementing the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), alleging lack of urgency on the part of both the state government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He termed the delay “political negligence” and demanded clear timelines and legislative action.
He also flagged the ongoing deadlock over the Foothill Road project, stating that delays were affecting public interest, and called for its early resolution.
On welfare schemes, Ulaka said employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a legal right and alleged that Nagaland has among the lowest wage rates in the country. He accused the Centre of weakening the programme through inadequate funding and policy changes.
He further criticised proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), stating that they could affect organisations receiving foreign aid, and raised concerns over safeguarding Article 371(A).
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Meanwhile, Manipur MLA and Congress Legislature Party leader Meghachandra Singh alleged that the BJP has focused on “headlines rather than real development,” claiming there is neither progress nor peace in Nagaland and across the Northeast.
He said rising unemployment, inflation and lack of opportunities—particularly for women and educated youth—have worsened the situation, and pointed to CAG reports highlighting incomplete projects despite central funding. He maintained that the absence of a strong opposition allows the government to function without adequate scrutiny.
Former Odisha PCC president Jayadev Jena also criticised the BJP and RSS, alleging increasing political pressure and attempts to push agendas such as “one nation, one election.”
Responding to queries on recent changes in District Congress Committee leadership in Mokokchung and other districts, Ulaka said the move was part of the party’s nationwide organisational exercise under the “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan.” He said the process involves consultations with party workers and stakeholders, and any grievances would be addressed.
The Congress leaders appealed to voters in Koridang to ensure a free and fair election and support their candidate to enable the presence of an opposition voice in the Assembly.