Patton pushes BJP to contest 60 Nagaland seats in 2028

DIMAPUR — Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party leader Y Patton said on Thursday that, judging by the strong turnout at a party event, the BJP should aim to contest all 60 assembly seats in the 2028 elections.

Speaking at the BJP Nagaland state executive meeting-cum-organisational workshop at Town Hall, Dimapur, Patton recalled that even during the 2023 polls, he had pushed for contesting all 60 seats or at least for a 30-30 seat-sharing arrangement.

He reminded that he was first elected on a BJP ticket in 2008, when the party managed to win only two seats. In 2018, under the 40:20 seat-sharing formula with the NDPP, the BJP contested 20 and won 12, while NDPP secured 18 of the 40 seats it contested. In 2023 too, the BJP fielded 20 candidates and again won 12.

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Patton questioned whether there was any internal party resolution restricting the BJP from crossing the 12-seat mark.

He maintained that all infrastructure and development in Nagaland have been made possible under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and expressed hope that a BJP-led government could one day be formed in the state during Modi’s tenure.

He questioned how long the 40:20 formula would continue, stressing that any change in seat-sharing or a move to a friendly contest would depend on the party’s performance.

Even if the party decides to contest all 60 seats, Patton said, it would mean little without strong grassroots work.

He urged elected members not to neglect karyakartas, saying it was their effort that brought leaders to power. He appealed to legislators to think beyond their own 12 constituencies and work across all 60, if the BJP hopes to expand further.

Patton also called on party workers not to indulge in criticism but to unite and cooperate fully with state BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi.

He expressed optimism that by 2028 the party could increase its tally and eventually form its own government in Nagaland.

Delivering his presidential address, Yepthomi described the meeting as a moment of reflection, renewal and reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to serve Nagaland under Modi’s leadership.

He said India has witnessed a transformational journey under Modi—from economic reforms to infrastructure growth, poverty alleviation and national security—and that Nagaland has also benefited from historic central attention in areas such as connectivity, health, education and youth empowerment.

According to him, the true strength of the BJP lay in discipline, dedication and unity, adding that the party’s greatest asset was its karyakartas.

The road ahead, he said, would not be free of challenges, but the BJP has always turned challenges into opportunities with a mission to expand its presence in every corner of Nagaland.

Patton clarifies on jobs, media spat

Later, interacting with media persons, Patton said that over 1,200 government vacancies would be advertised this month.

On the 935 pending vacancies, he clarified that the issue was sub judice and fresh recruitment could only begin after the Supreme Court delivers its verdict.

On the speculations of merger between NPF and NDPP, he declined to comment, calling it a “regional matter.”

Responding to social media allegations linking him to a recent incident in Manipur where a journalist had sustained injuries after being shot at, Patton dismissed the claims. “If he (the accused person) is the culprit and if it was intentional, then he should be booked,” he said.

On the Ralan issue, he urged media houses to verify reports before publishing. He added that since July 16 he has been monitoring the situation in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Nagaland-Assam border in coordination with local bodies, district officials and Assam counterparts.

Refuting reports that he had not visited the affected area, he clarified that he went to Ralan on July 24 along with colleagues.

Asked about his recent public exchange with a journalist, Patton admitted he was wrong on his part but urged the media to ascertain facts before airing “baseless reports.”