EMN
Dimapur August 2
Chongshen Mongkosungkum Chang popularly known CM Chang is the lone Lok Sabha member of Nagaland. Sporting a wide white moustache he is unmistakable amongst the politicians of the state and now he will hold the title as the ubiquitous party man.His hip hop as MP one day and the elected MLA of 51 Noksen A/C the next, has confused a large section of the people in the state.
Chang was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha in 2009 with a landslide victory defeating former Congress MP Asangba Sangtam. His term will end in May 2014 when the elections to the Lok Sabha are held.
However in February 2013 Chang contested the state assembly elections successfully. and was allotted the cabinet portfolio for Education. But within fifteen days of the results being declared in early March, he resigned as MLA.
Nevertheless he continued in his capacity as Minister for Education and exercised his authority as such.
Election Commission rules dictate that a bye-election is necessary within six months from the date of resigning or death of a sitting MP or MLAs for a particular seat. And as the rules go September 4th is the date set for the by elections to 51 Nokesen A/C which will see CM Chang once again run for elections.
The question now arises as to whether he will retain his Lok Sabha seat in the event he is re elected from Noksen.
When contacted the President of NPF (Nagaland) Dr.Shurhozelie Liezietsu, said that the party supports CM Chang’s decision and that it was his wish to be closer to voters in his constituency.It is plausible that in its attempt to avoid elections to the Lok Sabha twice in a little over a year in the state, ( with the general elections due in May 2014) the NPF have supported his decision.
Meanwhile CM Chang was unreachable for his reaction at the time of filing this report. The Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who is in Delhi could also not be reached for his comments.
