The National People’s Party Nagaland unit has rebelled against its own Koridang by-poll candidate, citing lack of consultation and procedural lapses.
Share
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — A rift has emerged within the Nagaland unit of National People’s Party (NPP) over its Koridang by-poll candidate, with the state unit rejecting the central leadership’s choice and deciding not to field any nominee.
The trigger to the state NPP unit’s rebellion was the decision of the party’s central election committee to name I Abenjang as its candidate for the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election.
Addressing media persons at the party office in Dimapur, MLA Nuklutoshi said that the decision was taken without consulting the state unit or party legislators, describing the process as “improper”.
He announced that the party, after a meeting on Friday, resolved not to field any candidate, citing the prevailing opposition-less government in the state and the absence of nominations from other parties.
Also read: Koridang by-poll violence: 14 arrested, curfew imposed in Chungtia
Nuklutoshi maintained that while the state unit does not oppose the central leadership, the nomination process should follow established procedure—beginning with recommendations from the district unit, followed by the state unit, before reaching the central leadership.
“The central leadership should also be aware of the ground realities of the constituency,” he said, adding that the decision appeared to have been taken without adequate understanding of local dynamics.
The MLA further said that the state unit was “shocked” to learn of the candidate selection through the media rather than through official communication channels.
He asserted that the recommendation of the state president is mandatory for any nomination and said the unit would not extend such support.
He added that the party would formally convey its dissatisfaction to the central leadership and would not campaign if the nomination stands.
Echoing similar concerns, a senior party leader said that the decision reflected a lack of wider consultation within the party.
He said that the nomination appeared to have been made without involving elected representatives and office-bearers, leading to dissatisfaction among members.
“There is a clear lacuna in the process,” the leader added, urging the central leadership to adopt a more inclusive approach and take legislators into confidence in future decisions.