Nagaland Election 2023: Candidates for 5 Ghaspani-II AC share stage ahead of poll

In an attempt to ensure free and fair election in 5 Ghaspani-II Assembly Constituency, as well as to help the citizens make an informed choice while casting their votes on February 27, the churches of New Socünoma village on Friday invited all the candidates contesting from the constituency to share their vision and policies with the electorates.

All the three candidates — Zhaleo Rio (NDPP), Kitoho S. Rotokha of (LJP-RV) and Z. Kasheto Yeptho (RPI-A) – attended the “common platform” arranged by the churches at New Socünoma village ground.

Meno Vüprü, one of the organisers of the event, shared that the purpose of the “common platform” was to know the candidates better in order to help the voters choose the right representative.

Maintaining that elections will come and go but the voters will continue to live as villagers, he appealed to the people not to create hatred amongst themselves due to the election despite differences of opinion and choice of candidates.

During the programme, the three candidates were asked to share their development plans; state affairs; social, cultural and religious matters; and others so that the voters know them better.

Zhaleo Rio

Addressing the gathering, Zhaleo, who is the incumbent Advisor of Sericulture, Excise and Minority Affairs, urged them not to sell their votes or buy votes but cast their ballots using their conscience. While seeking re-election for a third term from the people, he lamented that he couldn’t do much work due to leadership crisis. He said he is in the process of fulfilling the wish of the villagers for good roads.

He mentioned that he was not given any portfolio for the first two years during the second term but the NDPP had a strong leader in Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, adding that the party “speaks by deeds, not by words”.

He also said that the NDPP stands for development, job creation, income generation for the poor, and for the benefit of the elderly.

Highlighting the state’s dependency on central fund, he said the state government should come up with a policy for revenue generation sooner or later.

For development, the only answer is to vote for NDPP as it will form the government, he claimed.

Speaking on state affairs, he said that Nagaland is witnessing a surge in unemployment rate even though the literacy rate is above the national average. However, he said a system has been put in place to select meritorious candidates to government sector through Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) examination.

Maintaining that the gap between haves and have-nots is widening, he urged the village council authority to give special focus on the poor people and help them grow.

Kitoho S. Rotokha

Speaking at the programme, he told the gathering that he was very fortunate to contest the election, being from a humble family, and added that has been engaged in social services for about 30 years.

On the LJP (RV), he said the party fights for the empowerment of youth and poorer section of the society.

Sharing the reason for foraying into politics, he said that he considers Ghaspani-II as a mini Nagaland with people from all tribes, and so even a small work done in the area will have an impact on the rest of the state. He added that decided to stand for the people on noticing the dire need for change during his tour to villages.

Maintaining that the area is in world map for two reasons — king chilly and pineapple – which are produced in large scale, he said rural economy can be uplifted via small projects such as food processing and manufacturing units.

In regard to employment, Kitohoasserted that ‘we should not give false promise and politicise it too much but be practical and pragmatic’. He further said that politics is a noble profession but politicians make it dirty.

Sharing about his vision, he stated that he wants to take Ghaspani II forward and uplift the people of this area, while ensuring to tie up with big companies and industries for job opportunities. 

Further, he requested everyone not to play ‘ism’ politics, ‘because once it is sowed, it is very hard to remove’. He asked the people to vote the candidate who they think is right for the job.

Kasheto Yeptho

Addressing the gathering, Kitohosaid that he is standing for election for transparency and to provide equal opportunity for all.

He said that he has made a commitment to serve God by serving the people, adding that he is contesting the election with a vision to address the unemployment issue which has left the youth frustrated.

He said economic activities cannot take place without communication system and the only answer is to build good roads.

Yeptho added that in India, children of rickshaw pullers are cracking UPSC exams and it is due to quality education available in their area. However, he lamented that education infrastructure in the state is in pathetic condition.

If educational infrastructure and quality healthcare are in place, everyone will benefit, he said.

The RPI (A) party is not concerned about food habits or dictating who should go to which church; this party is concerned about unemployment and roads, he added.

Also read: Nagaland election 2023: 183 candidates in fray; 16 withdraw nominations

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