Congress campaigns in Alichen and Longkhum for T Chalukumba Ao ahead of the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The Congress party held public meetings in Alichen and Longkhum on Monday in support of its candidate, T Chalukumba Ao, for the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly by-election.
The events took place following pre-poll clashes reported in Longkhum and Mangmetong earlier in the day.
Star campaigners leading the effort included Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, Lok Sabha MP from Odisha; S Supongmeren Jamir, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee President; Jaydev Jena, former MLA from Odisha; K Meghachandra Singh, Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Manipur; C Apok Jamir, NPCC Working President; and senior party officials.
Speaking to the media, Ulaka described the by-election as crucial for the Congress, framing it as a potential triumph of secularism, brotherhood, and pluralism across the country.
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“We expect this victory to send a clear message to both the state and central governments that monetary influence will not determine the will of the people. Our candidate will work steadfastly for truth and integrity,” he asserted.
Ulaka further assured supporters that the by-election would echo the Congress party’s strong performance in Nagaland during the last parliamentary polls.
Referring to the current opposition-less government in the state, he alleged rampant unemployment and corruption.
“If Chalukumba enters the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, we will finally have at least one opposition voice to raise questions and hold the treasury bench accountable. Otherwise, they will continue to act without checks,” he said. He also noted that the Congress candidate enjoys strong grassroots connections with the people.
The Odisha MP criticised the BJP's plan to introduce a bill that, he alleged, would give the government sweeping powers over minority-run hospitals and educational institutions receiving foreign aid. He accused the party of systematically targeting minority community institutions while engaging only with the majority, allegedly to ensure wealth remains concentrated among a privileged few.
Other senior leaders also addressed the gathering, reiterating their full backing for T Chalukumba Ao. The delegation later paid floral tributes to the late Imkongmeren, a Naga nationalist leader, at his memorial in Longkhum.