Nagaland Election 2023: Candidates hold declaration programmes; kick-off campaign

Party ticket issued only after assessing public support — Hekani Jakhalu

Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate from Dimapur-III A/C Hekani Jakhalu, on Monday held a dedication and declaration programme at her residence in Toluvi village, Dimapur on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, Jakhalu said that she got the NDPP ticket because of the support of the people, adding that party ticket is issued only after assessing public support. She said there will be a lot of propaganda as it is election time but it (election) is fought to form a government in order to work for the people.

Jakhalu stated that she will be fighting for the youth as it is her dream and vision, and have been working with them for 17 years. She added that she is contesting this election with the vision and goal of making Nagaland the number one state in the Northeast.

She went on to add that she will fight for women, stating that Nagaland is the only state with no women in the highest decision-making body, and in order for society to progress, women must be empowered.

Jakhalu went on to say that to make Dimapur-III a model constituency, focus on drainage, roads, education, government schools, and health care centres is needed, adding that Dimapur-III should get basic amenities and urged the gathering to work as a team.

She further stated that she will work for the minority community, asserting that some villages have been established for over 100 years but were still neglected. Jakhalu said she would work for the uplift of the minority community and move forward together.

During the dedication and declaration programme, NDPP campaign song for Jakhalu was also released and sung by NK Naga, while short speeches were delivered by working president of NDPP Dimapur-III, Vikugha Assumi; General Secretary of NDPP Nagaland, S K Khemphrai; vice president of central NDPP, in- charge Dimapur, Charlie Sekhose and others.

Meanwhile, a candidate declaration and prayer programme was held for Imnatiba, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) candidate from 22 Arkakong Constituency on February 4 at Changtongya town.

In his address, Imnatiba mentioned the trust shown and opportunity given to him by the NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, NDPP Secretary General Abu Metha and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and the support shown to him in the past by constituency villages – Yaongyimsen, Kelingmen and Unger.

An update stated that he encouraged people to come together once again in the same manner and work hand-in-hand so that he may receive the opportunity to be part of the ruling government in the upcoming 14th NLA Election.

The programme was chaired by the President, NDPP 22 Arkakong Constituency; welcome note was delivered by Changtongya Village Council, and short speeches were delivered by the NDPP units of Yaongyimsen, Akhoya, Unger, Nükshiyim, Liroyim, Changtongya Yimsen and Changtongya Town.

Prayers were also said by Rev. Temshi, Pastor, CTBA, and Rev. Lipok, Pastor, NCRC Changtongya town.

Y Vikheho Awomi officially declares candidature

Further, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) candidate from 2 Dimapur II A/C, Y Vikheho Awomi officially declared his candidature on Monday.  

Addressing his supporters at his residence at Thahekhu village, Vikheho appealed to the voters to reject range or clan politics but vote for those leaders who were fighting for development and governance. He said Nagaland being a “dependent state” with no resources on its own, people should choose a visionary leader who has the persistence to continue progressing forward despite the challenges and achieving a goal.

A dedicatory prayer for the candidate was offered by senior pastor, Thahekhu Village Baptist Church senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Yehevi Jimo. Later, accompanied by large supporters, Vikheho filed his nomination.

Khamo stresses on need for economic stability, development

Pointing out the need for economic stability and development, the NDPP candidate from  18 Chozuba Assembly Constituency (AC) Kudecho Khamo on Monday called upon the people to join hands to bring about a transformative change.

 He was addressing the launch of an election campaign for the ensuing Assembly election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) at Chetheba town in Phek district.

 Khamo pointed out the importance of the election that would bring about a transformative change with new visions, eradicate corruption with good governance and transparency.

 While observing that there were a high number of educated youths, he shared that this election should be a landmark to usher change while asserting his vision to provide avenues to the youth in their endeavours and also encourage them to venture into entrepreneurship and farming.

 He maintained that the government under the leadership of CM Rio is working for the promotion of sports in the state by setting up infrastructures in various districts. He stated that the youth should be encouraged to catch up to develop professionalism and make a career.

 Khamo also acknowledged the NDPP leadership led by party president Chingwang Konyak, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and others for allotting him the ticket, and credited the prayer and unflinching support of the party workers thus far.

He welcomed the newcomers into the party and asserted that it belongs to all and would collectively work for the interest of the people to strengthen the party.

Further, assuring that Chief Minister Niephiu Rio will continue to be on the chair, he called upon the people to join hands towards the journey of transformation and a state of excellence.

 Meanwhile, Zacüto Nyekha, president 18th Chozuba Mandal BJP in speech assured that the BJP unit under Chozuba A/C will give their support to the NDPP candidate as alliance partners. 

Speeches were also delivered by Thupukhruo Ringa, Advisor, NDPP 18 Chozuba A/C, Nuzota Swuro former MLA and NDPP Working President also spoke on the occasion.

Later during the day, Khamo also filed his nomination paper for the Assembly Election 2023 to the Returning Officer (RO) of Chozuba along with his party workers and supporters.

He also launched a temporary NDPP Chozuba AC at Chozuba Town and exuded hope that the office will benefit the party workers to work together and strengthen the party in the constituency.

Denying NDPP ticket was blessing in disguise — Nakhro

Meanwhile, sitting MLA from 8th Western Angami Assembly Constituency (AC) Kenizakho Nakhro on Monday evening said even though the NDPP denied him the party ticket, he said it was for “a good reason”.

He was addressing the kick-off election campaign at Para Medical in Kohima. He admitted that many of his supporters were disappointed, however even though the rejection was disheartening, the ‘unflinching support received from his supporters was encouraging and had enlightened his heart’.

In this regard, he called upon each and every one to vote for him for the second term to complete the unfinished task and to usher in the path of progress and development.

Reiterating that the denying him the ticket was a blessing in disguise, Nakhro exuded confidence to win the election with the unstinted support of his people.

Earlier, during the day, he also filed his nomination at Sechü Zubza to the returning officer accompanied by his supporters.

‘Retired from service with sole prupsoe to serve the people’

Major Toshikakba (Retired), the first military officer to contest the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Election 2023 from 28 Koridang A/C on a NPF ticket, held his declaration programme  to contest the up-coming election at Community Hall in Chungtia village on Monday.

He informed that he has served the nation in the military for 22 years and retired at the rank of Major with a zeal determination to serve the people at large.

“Brought up from a humble family, I was destined to retire at the age of 54 years if I continue my service for the nation, however, I took this bold decision to retire from my commission with a sole purpose to serve the people,” he asserted.

He further asserted that “prime time is the most crucial period to serve the people, therefore, I sacrifice my military service to dedicate my service to the people.”

 In this connection, he appealed to the 28 Koridang constituency people to support him in his endeavor to fulfill his dream to serve the people.

Short speeches were also delivered by party officials and supportersfrom NPF Central , NPF Division Mokokchung, Khensa, Aliba , Yimyu, Mekuli, Kinunger, Longjongkong and Ongpangkong Waipong Zunga.