Daochier Imchen wins the Koridang by-election, becoming the youngest member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly with a decisive victory margin.
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MOKOKCHUNG — In a closely watched by-election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly seat, with Daochier I Imchen securing a comfortable victory and emerging as the youngest member of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
In the results declared on May 4, the 35-year-old Imchen defeated his nearest rival, Independent candidate Major Toshikaba (Retd), by a margin of 3,123 votes. Imchen polled 7,317 votes, while Toshikaba secured 4,194 votes.
Another Independent candidate, Imtiwapang, finished third with 3,633 votes, followed by Abenjang of the National People’s Party (NPP), who received 3,219 votes. Independent candidate Imchatoba Imchen secured 147 votes, while T Chalukumba Ao of the Indian National Congress (INC) polled 144 votes.
The by-election witnessed a total of 18,654 valid votes across 30 polling stations, including postal ballots, while 48 voters opted for the None of the Above (NOTA) option.
Election officials reported that 345 postal ballots were cast, of which 43 were rejected. Imchen secured 153 votes from the postal ballots.
Also read: Nagaland bypoll: BJP’s Daochier Imchen leads by over 3,000 votes
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Despite a multi-cornered contest, Imchen maintained a clear lead throughout the counting process, aided by strong support from his native village, Mangmetong, and other parts of the constituency.
The victory enables him to retain the seat previously held by his father, Late Imkong L Imchen, a veteran leader who represented the constituency since 2003 and won five consecutive terms.
With this win, Daochier Imchen is set to be sworn in as the youngest MLA in the current Assembly.
Shortly after receiving his election certificate from the Returning Officer and SDO (Civil), Nockpai Konyak, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Ajit Kumar Verma, Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo, and other officials at the DC’s office, a thanksgiving service was held at his family residence in Mongsenbai Ward, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, Imchen expressed gratitude to the people of Koridang for their continued support, including the trust reposed in his late father over the years.
“I stand here because of the people of Koridang,” he said. “This is a massive victory which I do not take lightly. I consider this margin a greater responsibility, and it will be my constant endeavour to earn and retain the trust of the people.”
He asserted that he would represent all sections of the constituency. “I am not an MLA only for those who supported me—I am an MLA for the entire Koridang and Nagaland, and I will deliver justice on my part,” he said.
Acknowledging that his tenure would be relatively short — about one year and eight months — Imchen said that he would not allow the limited time to hinder his work.
“My father represented this constituency, and I will carry forward his legacy. I will strive to fulfil at least some of the causes he had set for Koridang, alongside my own priorities,” he added.
He also expressed confidence in working under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, while learning from senior legislators.