Nagaland Bharatiya Janata Party expresses confidence in winning the Koridang by-election, while raising concerns over unrest ahead of polling.
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MOKOKCHUNG — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday expressed confidence that its PDA consensus candidate, Daochier I Imchen, will secure a comfortable victory in the by-election to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, while raising concerns over reported law and order issues ahead of polling.
Addressing a press conference in Mokokchung, Minister and senior BJP leader Temjen Imna Along said that the April 9 by-poll has witnessed an energetic and successful campaign by the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).
Led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, and state BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi, the alliance has carried out extensive outreach across villages, he said.
Praising the party’s nominee—son of late Imkong L Imchen—Along described the voter response as “very promising” despite the presence of five other candidates.
He said that Daochier Imchen is well placed for victory, attributing part of the momentum to a sympathy wave, and expressed confidence of a “handsome margin”.
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The minister added that some prospective candidates appear to be stepping back, with internal negotiations under way that may lead them to extend support to the PDA nominee.
“Good sense has prevailed among some of them. How far and how genuine this is will become clear on polling day,” he said.
While appreciating village councils for maintaining order and promoting a clean electoral process, Along expressed concern over incidents reported from Longkhum and Mangmetong, including alleged stone-pelting on April 2.
He termed such acts “unconventional and unacceptable” in the state’s political culture.
He said that the party would take up the matter with the district administration, including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police, and called for strict measures to ensure peaceful polling.
“Any attempt to disturb law and order, intimidate voters or create unrest will not be tolerated. The party will not remain a mute spectator,” he said and urged all stakeholders to maintain peace to enable voters to exercise their franchise freely.
On the Mangmetong Village Council’s declaration of support for Daochier Imchen, Along said that such endorsements reflect developmental aspirations and do not restrict individual voting rights—stating that other candidates have campaigned freely.
Highlighting the significance of the bypoll, he said that electing a representative aligned with the ruling government would ensure better coordination and faster development.
“This election is not merely about choosing an MLA, but about having a voice within the government that can deliver progress,” he said.
Dismissing allegations of dynastic politics, Along said that the candidate was selected on merit following due party procedures.
He appealed for a free, fair and violence-free election.