Exuding confidence that the NDPP-BJP alliance will get absolute majority and form the government again, former chief minister and NDPP official candidate from 7 Peren Assembly Constituency (AC), TR Zeliang, said Nagaland will not face the 2018-like situation this time.
It may be mentioned that in 2018 election, both the parties including NPF and NDPP-BJP alliance failed to achieve absolute majority following which there was political upheaval on the formation of government in Nagaland.
Speaking at his campaign kick-off programme at Jalukie town public ground on Monday, Zeliang asserted that NDPP would secure more than 30 seats and alliance partner BJP more than 10 seats in the upcoming state election.
In this regard, he stated that smaller parties and Independent candidates will not have any value unlike the 2018 election.
According to Zeliang, pursuing towards finding solution to the Nagaland political issue together with the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, and to provide strong and stable government were two objectives for joining NDPP.
Zeliang expressed anguish as he could not fulfill the aspirations of the people for the five years being in the opposition bench. He has sought the public to give their mandate again in order to compensate the loss of the past five years after the formation of a new government.
“I’ll do my best to translate the vision into reality if elected to power,” Zeliang promised to the people.
With BJP-led government at the Centre, he also informed that seat-sharing would benefit the people of Nagaland. Citing instances where leaders of both NDPP and BJP in the district have patched up for the common good, he appealed to the electorates to emulate and work hard for the success of their candidates.
Zeliang also appealed to the people to cast their votes without going anywhere on the polling day. He stated that a loss of one-day labour on the polling day would bear fruit to enjoy for another five years.
In conclusion, Zeliang called upon the people to leave the past behind and join hands and work forward to the future.
Former NDPP candidate of the constituency, Iherie Ndang, said the party ticket was issued to TR Zeliang in the interest of the district in deference to the advice by elders and leaders.
Echoing Zeliang, Ndang stated that Peren has lost five years as the elected leader was in the opposition bench. He, however, expressed confidence that the party would form the next government and deliver goods which are due to citizens.
Among others who spoke on the occasion included NDPP senior vice president, Charlie Sekhose; former secretary of Rural Development, Kelei Zeliang; retired district judge; former president of Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland), CR Zeliang; and former legislator from Manipur, Francis Ngajokpa.
Janata Dal United (JD-U) candidate from 30 Alongtaki A/C J Lanu Longchar held a declaration programme to contest the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election at Longchem sub-division of Mokokchung district on Monday.
He will be competing against sitting MLA Temjen Imna Along, BJP Nagaland State President.
The declaration programme was held at Zulutemba Memorial Hall at Longchem EAC Headquarter under Mokokchung on Monday.
He said that 30 Alongtaki is one of the important constituencies under Mokokchung district but it lacks development in many areas, which needs to be addressed seriously. In this regard, Longchar announced that he is prepared to bring development to the people of the 30 Alongtaki.
If the people of the 30 Alongtaki AC gave him the mandate, he declared, "I am ready to visit all the villages within the constituency to listen to their grievances and plan out programmes and strategies to ameliorate the problems."
He made an appeal to the voters by saying, "I am prepared to visit every village to listen to you and share the same plate with you.”
He further asserted, “I have no fortune but the destiny of the constituency would be decided by your votes,”
Among the many speakers during the programme, notable speakers included former ministers K Tia Aier, Dr. Benjongliba, and Chuba Ozükum of the Naga Hoho.
NPF candidate from Jangpetkong A/C Imjongwati Longkumer on Monday announced his run to the upcoming 14th Nagaland Assembly election 2023 at his native village, Khar.
In his declaration address, Longkumer stated that he was proactively involved in many NGOs and pressure groups for many years and accomplished many tasks for the people, however, was not satisfied with the achievement and changes brought through these platforms .
In this regard, Longkumer said he had pondered seriously and concluded that the political platform is one that can bring the changes needed in the society.
“Utilising this platform I would like to be the agent of change for our Naga people,” he said.
“Many politicians promise many things to the people, but I won’t promise anything, if you give your mandate, I would let you decide whether I am performing as you expect or not,” he added.
“Besides, there are many issues that need to be resolved within us and many development work that need to be addressed; I alone cannot bring the change that is need today, but together we can,” he asserted
Former minister and Advisor to President NPF I Imkong, NPF Farmers’ Wing President Lanukaba, officials from NPF Mokokchung Division and others also spoke at the event.
The BJP candidate from 1 Dimapur-I Assembly Constituency H Tovihoto Ayemi started his election campaign on Monday by holding meetings at various colonies in Dimapur.
Ayemi was accompanied by his chief agent Zasivikho Zakiesatou, campaign director, Hokuto Zhimo and host of BJP officials of BJP Mandal, 1 Dimapur-I A/C.
He thanked the electorates of the constituency for reposing confidence in him and electing him in the past two terms.
He addressed meetings at Ward no. 2 and Ward no. 22 covering Ghorapatti, Public Ground, Zakiesatuo, Aluminium Factory, Niu Colony, Veterinary, Kevichusa and Rongmei colonies.
Further, he said BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had brought tremendous change throughout the country including Nagaland and the people of 1 Dimapur-I A/C. He assured that the BJP would continue to do the same, working for the upliftment of the people, an update stated.
‘Peace is a prerequisite for development and progress of any society,’ he said, adding that he has always given special emphasis on peace and development of the society. Ayemi went on to state that the public were witnesses to the work done for the constituency and the prevalence of peace. He assured he would continue to stand for the public and work together for peace, harmony and development of the constituency.
BJP workers of the constituency, leaders of the respective wards and colonies also spoke on the occasion, acknowledging the commitment of Ayemi and the works done by him in the last two terms.