The BJP has declared Kezhanguto Zhotso as its candidate for the Ward 11 bye election in Chümoukedima.
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Jacob Zhimomi says BJP-NPF alliance remains intact
DIMAPUR — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday declared 43-year-old Kezhanguto Zhotso as its candidate for the upcoming by-election to Ward 11 under the Chümoukedima Town Council, scheduled for June 16.
The declaration programme for the candidate was held at the public ground, Ward-11 Block-IV, Chümoukedima.
Addressing the gathering, Zhotso said that after two years, they have the platform to bring changes not just in Chümoukedima Ward 11 but in Chümoukedima in general. He pledged to advocate for the constituency and promised that, if elected, he will work to ensure government schemes reach the residents.
He promised transparency and honesty in governance, stating “whatever work is done among us, there will be no hiding”.
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BJP State President Benjamin Yepthomi described Zhotso as a young and dynamic leader who has served in various organisations in Chümoukedima.
Yepthomi expressed confidence that the candidate will fulfil the aspirations of Ward 11.
Yepthomi addressed questions over the NPF-BJP alliance fielding separate candidates in Ward 11, clarifying that the decision was made to allow a “friendly contest”. While admitting that government schemes “do not always reach the grassroots level", he said it is the party’s duty to bridge that gap. He appealed for time to deliver results, adding, “we cannot do everything in a single day. Give us a chance to prove ourselves.”
He argued that every political party has good aspects but claimed regional parties lack a “concrete, long-term agenda". Only a national party has a clear agenda for “development for all", he said, citing the slogan Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.
Public Health Engineering Department and Cooperation Minister Jacob Zhimomi said the BJP-NPF alliance remains intact despite both parties fielding candidates in Ward 11. “The covenant is not broken. We respect each other,” he said, adding that “there are no hard feelings.” Zhimomi said the contest would be taken in a sportsmanlike spirit and pushed for youth leadership in Chümoukedima, describing it as a youth-driven, empowered policy.
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Zhimomi highlighted Nagaland’s dependence on Delhi for development, stating the state has “no resources of our own” to build infrastructure or fulfil aspirations. “We are 100% dependent on central government finances and grants, especially in the Northeast, including Nagaland,” he said, pointing out that good roads, airports, facilities, and townships are projects that will come from Delhi.
He added that while regional parties in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are needed, the BJP-led Centre is the “breadwinner” for states. Backing the candidate, he said “this constituency belongs to the BJP” and called it the party’s “legitimate right” under the alliance.
Calling for the right representatives at all levels, Zhimomi told party workers to avoid confrontation and focus on social responsibility. He stated that both Ward 11 candidates belong to the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) government and appealed for no criticism between the sides.
Advisor for Tribal Affairs Tovihoto Ayemi said Zhotso was not a candidate chosen at random and that local residents can attest to this. He noted that Zhotso has served as a leader of various organisations under Chümoukedima.
Calling the Ward 11 contest part of a “vibrant and healthy democracy", he said such situations were neither uncommon nor unusual in a coalition government, describing it as a matter of mutual understanding.