North East Democratic Front to back Independent candidates

With barely four weeks left for the Nagaland Assembly election, a new regional political party called the North East Democratic Front (NEDF), with representatives from Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya, was launched at Hotel East Inn, Dimapur on Tuesday.

Advisor of NEDF party, Bendang Ozukum, during the launching programme, shared that the party is still in the process of registration so they will not be issuing party tickets, but will be supporting Independent candidates from Nagaland and Meghalaya in the upcoming Assembly election.

Ozukum stated that there are many independent candidates who want to contest in the upcoming election but no proper platforms; therefore they will act like an organisation and back independent candidates.

He said the party will address a press conference soon along with the independent intending candidates from Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Ozukum added that they have been working for the party since September 2022, and have been corresponding with members from Meghalaya, Assam and other states.

When asked if they will share alliance with any other political party, the president of NEDF, Lima Longkumer, replied that as of now, they are not merging with any party but they will be setting up their own Independent candidates and consider a post-poll alliance only if they win “couple of seats”.

Sharing about the new party, Longkumer said that they want to promise a ‘new political era’, stating that during his years of involvement in politics, he has been listening to ordinary people and their concerns. He stated that politicians cannot expect to be trusted as they have to earn it by being consistent in principles and policies.

“So based on our principles and policies, our slogan speaks for itself -- Power to the People,” he added.

Further, he stressed that the party is founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. He asked people not to waste their votes if they want a change of direction and not just a change of government.

Representative from Assam, Rajan Timung, also stated that the youths should be involved in politics or else there will be no development in the state.

Meanwhile, intending candidates from Meghalaya -- Batskhem Malbaniang from 25th Mawsynram AC and Cores Marwein from 9th Nongpoh Assembly Constituency -- were also present at the launching programme.