T Chalukumba Ao and I Abenjang launch Koridang by-poll campaigns in Mokokchung, stressing unity, accountability and clean polls.
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MOKOKCHUNG — Congress nominee T Chalukumba Ao and National People’s Party (NPP) candidate I Abenjang launched their campaigns for the upcoming by-election to the 28 Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency (AC) with public meetings in multiple villages, including Aliba, Chungtia and Kinunger, on Tuesday.
Chalukumba pitches opposition role in NLA
Chalukumba launched his campaign with public meetings in Aliba and Chungtia villages. He was joined by Member of Parliament and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President S Supongmeren Jamir, NPCC Working President C Apok Jamir, president of the District Congress Committee (DCC) Kohima and senior officials from the Mokokchung DCC and the 28 Koridang Congress AC.
Speaking at both venues, Chalukumba declared that his election would bring an end to the opposition-less character of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
Also read: Koridang by-election: GPRN/NSCN (U) bars members from campaigning
He assured electorates that, even as the sole opposition voice in the House, he would fearlessly champion the people's concerns before the treasury benches and say “no” whenever decisions ran counter to public interest and aspirations.
Emphasising Congress ideology and secular principles, the candidate stressed that elections should never be treated as warfare. He called on the people of Koridang to uphold a free and fair poll in keeping with the spirit of democracy.
He also warned voters against being swayed by empty development promises, arguing that the wise use of available resources to build a viable and sustainable economy is far more important. “Economic power is greater than politics,” he asserted.
Jamir further assured the gathering that a Congress victory would usher in political stability for the constituency and respond to the churches’ clarion call for “Clean election”.
I Temsu Jamir, Vice President of DCC Mokokchung, described the by-election as a vital opportunity for democracy to kindle fresh hope for the next generation. He encouraged voters to hold the treasury bench accountable and demand the fulfilment of promises made to the people, rather than remaining passive in an opposition-less assembly.
Abenjang frames election as mission for unity
Meanwhile, NPP candidate I Abenjang formally launched his campaign by holding public meetings in Kinunger, Aliba, and Chungtia villages.
In his campaign addresses, Abenjang commended the respective village councils for their open and inclusive approach in permitting political campaigns by all candidates. He described this as a positive and encouraging development in the democratic process within the constituency.
He viewed the by-election not as a battlefield but as a crusade aimed at building strong relationships with all communities.
“Let us refrain from creating inter-village rivalries or hatred on account of the election. While the polls will conclude soon, the relationships we cultivate today should continue to foster unity and help chart a progressive roadmap for the constituency and the Naga people,” he asserted.
Abenjang declared that he stands for the political resurrection of Koridang. “For me, this election is not about temporary gains but about building enduring relationships that transcend electoral agendas,” he said.
He explained that his vision for Koridang’s political resurrection is holistic. After the election, all candidates and stakeholders should come together to brainstorm and formulate a comprehensive development roadmap for the constituency.
The NPP candidate also stated that he entered the by-election with a firm commitment to politics. He stressed that elected leaders must remain accountable to the people by regularly presenting their progress reports.
Abenjang appealed to the voters to let their conscience guide them towards a free and fair election. “Elect your leaders with a clear conscience,” he urged.
Veboyi Wideo, National Vice President of the NPP, along with his supporters, endorsed the candidature of I Abenjang.