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Nagaland's Koridang Bypoll: 6 Candidates in Tense Multi-Cornered Contest

The by-election for Nagaland's Koridang Assembly constituency has become a multi-cornered contest with six candidates in the fray. The election was necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Imkong L. Imchen. Campaigning concluded under a tense atmosphere following violent incidents that resulted in one death and several injuries. Senior leaders from national parties actively campaigned as authorities implemented security measures for a free and fair poll.

Key Points: Nagaland Koridang Bypoll: 6 Candidates Vie Amid Violence

  • Bypoll necessitated by MLA's death
  • Ruling PDA fields late MLA's son
  • Pre-poll violence claims one life
  • Campaigning ended amid tense atmosphere
  • Senior leaders campaigned actively
2 min read

Nagaland: Koridang bypoll turns into multi-cornered contest as 6 candidates vie amid tense atmosphere

Nagaland's Koridang by-election sees 6 candidates amid pre-poll violence. Key contenders include BJP's Daochier I. Imchen, NPP's I. Abenjang, and Congress's T. Chalukumba Ao.

"All necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the bypoll is conducted in a free and fair manner. - Bhagyashree Banayat"

Kohima, April 8

The by-election to the Koridang Assembly constituency in Nagaland's Mokokchung district on Thursday has turned into a keen multi-cornered contest, with two veteran leaders and four first-time candidates in the fray.

The by-election was necessitated by the demise of sitting MLA Imkong L. Imchen, who passed away on November 11, 2024, at a private hospital in Guwahati after a brief illness at the age of 75.

The ruling People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded Daochier I. Imchen of the BJP as its consensus candidate. He is the son of the late legislator.

Other prominent candidates include I. Abenjang of the National People's Party (NPP) and T. Chalukumba Ao of the Congress.

Three Independent candidates -- Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang Kichu and Major Toshikaba (Retd) -- have also entered the contest, further intensifying the electoral battle.

Congress candidate Chalukumba Ao has contested three times earlier (2013, 2018 and 2023) but lost on all occasions, while Major Toshikaba (Retd) had narrowly lost the 2023 election as a candidate of the Naga People's Front (NPF).

A seasoned politician, the late Imchen had an illustrious electoral career, having been elected to the Nagaland Assembly five times -- first as an Independent in 2003, then on NPF tickets in 2008, 2013 and 2018, before winning on a BJP ticket in 2023.

The constituency has a total of 22,390 eligible voters, including 11,013 women.

Campaigning for the Koridang Assembly by-election, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, ended on Tuesday amid a tense atmosphere following reports of violence on April 5 and 6.

According to a police official, at least one person was killed, several others were injured, multiple vehicles were damaged, and 16 individuals were detained in connection with poll campaign-related violence. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from different locations, prompting authorities to impose a night curfew in three villages under the constituency.

Senior leaders from major political parties actively campaigned for their candidates. National People's Party President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma campaigned for his party's nominee, while BJP leaders, led by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, rallied behind Imchen, the PDA consensus candidate. Congress leaders, including in-charge for the state Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka and state President S. Supongmeren Jamir, who is also a Lok Sabha member, canvassed for Chalukumba Ao.

Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat stated that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure that the bypoll is conducted in a free and fair manner.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the son of the late MLA contesting. It's a common political trend in India, but I hope he is chosen for his own merit and vision, not just sentiment. The multi-cornered contest shows a vibrant democracy at work! 🤔
R
Rohit P
The report of arms recovery is deeply concerning. This is not the Nagaland we know. Our northeastern states need stability and development, not gunpowder politics. EC must take strict action.
S
Sarah B
Respect to the Congress candidate for persistence, contesting for the fourth time. But voters will judge on performance and local issues. Also good to see a high number of women voters - their voice is crucial.
M
Michael C
The late MLA's career, switching parties yet winning five times, says a lot about voter loyalty to the individual over the party symbol in some regions. A fascinating case study in Indian politics.
K
Kavya N
With 6 candidates, the vote will likely split. Hope the winner gets a clear mandate to work. The night curfew is a necessary but sad step. Praying for peace and a high, informed voter turnout. 🙏

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