Imkong L Imchen, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) candidate for 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency (AC), on February 5 clarified his recent shift on party affiliation and stated that to provide development to the state and particularly his constituency, the public need to be in the ruling dispensation. He, therefore, stated that under the given circumstance as an opposition MLA for five years, he decided to join the BJP in order to deliver goods to the people.
After securing BJP ticket to contest the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023, several hundreds of his supporters and officials from BJP Mokokchung district rallied mid-way to receive him and followed with a reception programme held in his at Mongsenbai Ward.
Imchen regretted that he being in the opposition for five years, the public of Koridang AC had endured significant losses. He, therefore, stressed the need of a political platform through which he could participate from the treasury bench.
Imchen said that during Koridang party meetings, he had sought opinions and the decision to join BJP, which was unanimously agreed. He mentioned that as a means to be part of the government, opting BJP would be better suited for his constituency.
He also announced to file his nomination on February 6 for the upcoming 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023.
During an interaction with the media persons, he asserted that “as a public servant in a democracy, one needs to be on the winning side in order to deliver goods to the people.” He also claimed that the BJP party is responding positively to the needs and requirements of the people nationally. He added that as a political party member, it is imperative that every member should be a good team player so that collectively they could deliver goods to the people.
Imchen also expressed his admiration on the leadership quality exhibited by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, which was one of the compelling factors that propel him to join the BJP.
When queried about his sudden affiliation from NPF to NDPP and then to BJP, Imchen explained that when the incumbent chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, announced the agenda to form an opposition-less government in order to bring about the political settlement, he was on an agreeable position in bringing about unity and presenting a common Naga agenda to the government of India.
“I thought that was a good call and 21of us merged with NDPP, but again that happened due to a judgment of error on my part or in a group,” he said.
On other aspects, Imchen said he felt suffocated on the policies in delivering justice in the state especially in regards to equitable distribution of development to all sections of society, which according to him was not ‘fair play.’
“I want equitable distribution of development; justice to all but not discrimination,” he said.
On Naga Political issue, Imchen asserted that Naga society has become a fragmented society. He said one-man upmanship cannot bring about rational solution to the protracted Naga political issue.
He was of the view that it should be the collective responsibility and wisdom for an amicable solution. He added that both parties should have flexible diplomacy to explore all possibilities in order to emerge successful.
Imolemba Jamir, president of BJP Mokokchung district; Limanungsang, president of BJP 28 Koridang mandal; Moatemjen, president of BJP Mangmetong village council; Imtitoshi Kichu, chairman of Khensa Village Council; Bendangwati Kichu, chairman of Yimyu Ward Council; Lanutoba Imchen, president of Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Mokokchung Unit; Nungsangmeren, president of Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Kohima unit; and Y Imti Imchen, president of Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Dimapur Unit; also delivered short speeches at the reception programme.
In a related programme, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe declared his candidature for the forthcoming NLA election 2023, during a programme held at Wokha village public ground on Saturday.
Humtsoe, who will be contesting the election on Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ticket from 38 Wokha AC, said he will contest the upcoming election on the spirit of ‘one for all and all for one.’ He assured that ‘no one will be left behind’ if elected to power and that he would not differentiate between village, range or clan in his constituency. He, therefore, urged the voters of 38 Wokha AC to ‘cast their votes prayerfully’ in his favour for prosperity and progress.
Informing that NCP has awarded party ticket to 12 candidates including a sitting MLA, businessmen and other influential leaders, he claimed that the party would be part of government formation.
Welcoming his supporters from different villages, who attended the programme, Humtsoe said time has come to shoulder responsibilities. He further challenged the people of 38 Wokha AC to come together with forgiving hearts and to move together with a vision, for prosperity and development of the constituency and the state as a whole.
Rev. O Thungben Kikon, pastor of Wokha Village Baptist Church, offered the dedicatory prayer.
Chairman of Wokha Village Council (WVC), Vandan Erui, delivered the welcome address, while the programme chaired by S Yanphamo Tungoe, former WVC chairman.
A mass prayer for the candidate was conducted and Rev. MC Kithan pronounced benediction.
It may be mentioned two other candidates namely Renponthung Ezung of BJP and N Wobenthung Lotha of Congress (INC) are also in the fray for the 38 Wokha assembly seat.