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State BJP officials and newly joined members after filing nomination papers for the ensuing DMC elections on Friday.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 6: In a major setback for the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF), five former Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) members from the party have resigned and file nomination papers on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket to fight the ensuing municipal council elections.
The five members have filed nomination papers this afternoon in the presence of state BJP officials. The five members were Hokivi Chishi (Ward 19), Hokuto Zhimomi (Ward 22), G Kits (Ward 20), Vikheho Zhimo (Ward 17), Simon Yepthomi (Ward 23) and Yangertoshi (Ward 11).
Hokuto Zhimomi along with Phukavi Yepthomi, both from DMC ward 22, were quite strangely issued NPF tickets. Zhimomi however has decided to reject the NPF ticket, and will contest on BJP ticket.
Briefing media persons this evening after filing nomination papers, the members have accused NPF as devoid of programmes and policies for the uplift of grassroots level. While appreciating the programmes and policies of the BJP under prime minister Narendra Modi, the members were unanimous in expressing that changes can come about with transparency and accountability.
Reaffirming continued commitment to serve the public, the members have accused the NPF of declining their service by denying them the party tickets. The members were optimistic to take over DMC with other like-minded Independent candidates. It was informed that NPF workers under Wards 19 and 22 have resigned en-mass from the party and joined the BJP.
Along with five members, former Congressman Moa Jamir (Ward 16) and P Avi Awomi, wife of late Pihoto Awomi, have filed nomination papers on BJP tickets.
State BJP convenor of Finance and Development, HK Khulu, said the party is expecting to field 12-15 candidates in the ensuing Dimapur Municipal Council elections.
Meanwhile, on day four of filing nominations for elections to Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), 18 nominations were received, including five from women candidates. With just one day left for filing nominations, seven BJP candidates came forward to file their nominations while the Congress party have kept themselves away from announcing their party candidates till January 6.
